Is Glasswort (Impatiens) Poisonous? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

The plant glasswort (Impatiens) gives people the feeling of “a friendship between gentlemen that is as mild as water” - no special care is needed, and it can grow well on its own, revealing an ordinary beauty that is loved by many people. But in recent years, there has been a saying circulating about glasswort: “Keeping glasswort flowers indoors is harmful to human health and may even cause cancer.” So what is the truth? Is glasswort poisonous? What are the cultivation methods and precautions?

I. Is glasswort poisonous?

Currently, no authoritative institution has published any statement about glasswort causing cancer. Like other plants, glasswort can perform photosynthesis under sunlight, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Glasswort can also release terpene-based gaseous substances, which not only keep indoor air fresh but also accelerate the movement of human respiratory cilia, with functions of eliminating phlegm and reducing inflammation.

However, the sap of glasswort is mildly toxic because it contains calcium oxalate crystals, so it is important to avoid accidental ingestion and getting it into the eyes. After accidental ingestion, symptoms such as throat swelling, pain, blisters, and skin rashes may occur. It is necessary to drink plenty of warm water immediately and seek medical attention promptly for further diagnosis and treatment.

II. Cultivation methods and precautions for glasswort

1. Cultivation methods for glasswort

(1) Soil preparation

To cultivate glasswort, choose soil with strong looseness and air permeability. Therefore, it is best to first place a layer of coarse sand or ceramsite in the flower pot, then place relatively fertile garden soil in the middle, and spread a layer of perlite on the topmost layer.

(2) Light control

Glasswort is not suitable for growing in environments with excessively strong sunlight. Therefore, in summer when the weather is hot and the light is strong, appropriate shading work is needed. Comparatively speaking, glasswort is quite shade-tolerant, but do not place it in a place without light for a long time. It is recommended to place it on a balcony or in a living room with sufficient diffused light.

(3) Watering control

Glasswort prefers a humid environment, so the soil should be kept moist, and water should be sprayed on the leaves frequently.

However, in winter when the temperature is relatively cold, watering needs to be reduced, otherwise the roots and leaves are prone to frost damage.

(4) Temperature control

As for temperature, generally no special management is needed in spring, summer, and autumn. It is mainly in winter that certain warmth measures need to be taken. For example, those placed outdoors should be moved indoors for cultivation, and if the indoor temperature is insufficient, heating or fire-warming equipment can be used to raise the temperature.

2. Precautions for cultivating glasswort

(1) Be careful not to ingest it accidentally

Glasswort grows fleshy and somewhat crystal-clear, looking quite appetizing, but as mentioned earlier, the sap of glasswort is toxic, so it should be kept away from children.

(2) Be careful to prune after flowering

After glasswort blooms, once the flowers fade, the flower heads should be cut off, as this can stimulate it to continue producing beautiful flowers.