How to Grow African Impatiens: How to Water and How Often

Growing African impatiens still comes down to the mutual adaptation between the plant and its growing environment. African impatiens came to us from distant Africa, so the change in environment is very great, and we therefore need to give more support in terms of environmental conditions so as to ensure the normal growth of African impatiens. Watering is one very important part of this.

How to Water African Impatiens

African impatiens is usually watered once every 1-2 days.

After African impatiens is planted out, it should be watered promptly. During the growing period, attention should be paid to watering, and the potting soil should be kept moist at all times. In summer especially, more watering is needed, but waterlogging and soil that stays too wet for a long time must be avoided. If there is a lot of rain, attention should be paid to drainage to prevent waterlogging, otherwise the roots and stems of African impatiens are prone to rot.

How to Grow African Impatiens

1. Temperature and light

The suitable growing temperature for African impatiens is roughly between 15°C and 25°C, and the indoor overwintering temperature should not be lower than 12°C. It should be given plenty of light, but avoid harsh sun exposure. In summer it requires cool conditions, with appropriate shading and ventilation.

2. Moisture

African impatiens likes moisture. While keeping the potting soil moist at all times, care should also be taken to avoid waterlogging, otherwise the plant can easily die from being waterlogged. Maintain suitable air humidity, generally around 70%-90%. In dry weather in summer and autumn, water should often be sprayed on the leaves.

3. Soil

African impatiens is suitable for cultivation in fertile, loose, sandy loam soil with good drainage.

How to Propagate African Impatiens

1. Seed propagation of African impatiens

For indoor cultivation of African impatiens, seed propagation can be carried out throughout the year. The sowing medium is best a sterilized mix of culture soil, leaf mold and fine sand. Because the seeds of African impatiens are rather small and have good light requirements, no soil needs to be covered after sowing. After scattering the seeds, a layer of glass or plastic film can be placed over the surface of the pot, and it should be kept at around 20-25°C; germination takes about half a month. After African impatiens germinates, to stabilize the plant, an appropriate amount of fine soil can be sprinkled over the pot surface. About 3 months after sowing, it will bloom.

2. Cutting propagation of African impatiens

Cutting propagation is more suitable for propagating double-flowered varieties or for small-scale propagation. Cuttings can be taken at any time. Select robust growing branches of African impatiens and cut them into cuttings about 5-10 cm long, then insert them into sand or soak them in water, keeping the temperature at around 20°C; roots will form in about 10 days, and after rooting they can be potted up.

Common Pest and Disease Control Methods for African Impatiens

1. Diseases of African impatiens and their control

1. Stem rot

It can be controlled by spraying a 1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder.

2. Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew mainly harms the leaves and tender shoots of African impatiens. August to September each year is the peak period of onset.

The specific control methods are as follows:

Control the planting density to a reasonable level, provide appropriate ventilation, strengthen management, and improve the disease resistance of the plants; collect and destroy diseased leaves and diseased plants to reduce sources of infection; during the onset period, spray a 1000-1200-fold dilution of 10% triadimefon wettable powder or similar agents for timely control, but note that spraying is strictly forbidden under high-temperature conditions above 32°C to avoid phytotoxicity.

3. Brown spot

Brown spot mainly occurs on the leaves. The initial symptom is the appearance of small light yellowish-brown spots on the leaf surface, which gradually expand and become round to oval. In severe cases, the spots join together into patches, the leaves wither and yellow, causing the plant to die.

The control methods are as follows: for potted African impatiens, the pots need to be turned promptly after rain; at the end of autumn, collect and destroy diseased leaves and diseased plants to reduce sources of infection; in the early stage of the disease, spray a 100-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl or a 1000-fold dilution of 75% chlorothalonil or similar agents for control.

2. Pests of African impatiens and their control

The main pest is aphids, and a 3000-fold dilution of 10% chuchongjing emulsifiable concentrate should be sprayed promptly for control.

To successfully grow African impatiens, growing methods and techniques are indispensable. In addition, the propagation methods of African impatiens can help us obtain more plants, while pest and disease control is an important part of ensuring the healthy growth of African impatiens.