How Does Impatiens Spread Its Seeds? Detailed Growing Methods and Tips
Impatiens, also known as touch-me-not, is a common flowering plant. Its flowers are brightly colored, in shades of pink, purplish red, white and more, and the flower shape closely resembles a butterfly, making it very beautiful, and it can even be used to dye fingernails, which is truly amazing!
The way impatiens spreads its seeds is also very interesting. When the impatiens fruit ripens, the slightest touch makes the fruit suddenly burst open and fling its seeds outward. This method of dispersal is called ballistic dispersal. With this force, the seeds of impatiens can be spread quite far, allowing the plant to reproduce.
Besides dyeing fingernails and its ornamental value, impatiens also has medicinal value! Its flowers, roots and stems each have different effects, and can be used to invigorate the blood and promote menstruation, dispel wind and relieve pain, and promote diuresis and reduce swelling, among others.It really is a very useful plant!
Of course, if you want to grow impatiens well, you also need to pay attention to its growing methods!Impatiens likes loose, fertile, well-drained soil. You can mix leaf mold, garden soil and river sand in equal parts; this kind of soil not only ensures that the roots of impatiens have enough space to spread, but also drains excess water in time to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. As for light, it needs plenty of sunshine, but in the high temperatures of summer it should be shaded appropriately to avoid direct sunlight. In winter, impatiens should be given as much sun as possible to keep it warm. Watering should be moderate, just keeping the soil moist. Before watering, you can insert a finger into the soil to feel its moisture. If the soil surface is already dry but your finger still feels moisture after being inserted, then there is no need to water at this time. If the soil is completely dry, then it needs to be watered in time. When watering, be careful to water evenly and thoroughly, avoiding watering only the surface, which would prevent the roots from fully absorbing water.
During the growing season, impatiens needs moderate fertilization. You can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every 15 - 20 days. When fertilizing, you can pour the liquid fertilizer evenly over the soil surface, then water with an appropriate amount of water so that the fertilizer fully penetrates into the soil. You can also add some organic fertilizer to the soil, such as decomposed chicken manure or cow manure, to increase soil fertility. During growth, some dead branches, diseased branches and overly long branches may appear. Proper pruning can also promote branching and flowering in impatiens. Only in this way can impatiens grow strong and healthy!
In short, impatiens really is a plant well worth growing!