- First, it is necessary to prepare a fertile mixture by mixing garden soil with peat and humus in equal proportions.
- laid out neatly on the soil and sprinkled a little on top.
- Then everything is moistened with a watering can with a spray or spray bottle.
- The container with crops is covered with foil or glass for a greenhouse effect.
- The soil is regularly ventilated and moistened so that the earthy clod does not dry out.
- The first shoots should appear within 1.5-2 weeks.
Diseases and pests
Basically, balsam occurs when there is no proper care... All diseases can be seen very clearly on the leaves and their condition:
- The appearance of yellow spots indicates that the plant is being exposed to direct sunlight and is causing burns. This often happens in hot weather. summer period.
- In the winter season, when the heating is turned on, there is a danger of overdrying the air around the plant. This can be seen on dry edges and withered and fallen leaves. During this period, it is necessary to install a humidifier or special trays with water and expanded clay.
- If bright leaves begin to fade, this indicates that the soil does not have the necessary beneficial components. It is worth picking up complex for recovery nutrients in the plant.
- Excessive watering and waterlogging of the soil, as well as strong damp air, can cause fungal diseases, which lead to decay of the stems and root system. This disease cannot be cured. The flower is completely removed from the pot, all damaged parts are removed both at the top and at the bottom. All slices are processed charcoal, and the flower with special preparations. The prepared plant is placed in a new pot and fresh soil.
From on balsam, you can often find spider mites or. If an infection is detected, the flower is removed from the common room and isolated. For treatment, special ones are purchased, with which during the quarantine period they also process the soil in which it grows.
If necessary, all flowers in the room are also sprayed for prophylaxis.
Balsam New Guinea has found wide application in landscaping the site and is often used by landscape designers. It is unpretentious in care, has a different color of flowers, thanks to which you can create bright and unique compositions. It is also grown as a houseplant and planted in winter gardens and greenhouses.
More information can be found in the video:
The homeland of New Guinea balsam is the subtropics and tropics of Africa, Asia and America.
Depending on the place of growth and variety, the flower grows from 30 to 50 cm. Root system strong, grows well. The plant looks like a bush with many stems.
In oblong-oval pointed leaves:
- bright streaks;
- serrated edges;
- short petioles.
Flowers with curly petals can reach a size of 5-7 cm. Depending on the variety, they are one-color or two-color with patterns. On the top of the stems there is one or more buds. Flowering lasts several months, this is influenced by climatic conditions and the place of growth.
In place of the flower, a fruit is formed - an oblong box... Her outer part separated by ribs. After the fruit is ripe when touched, it opens up, ejecting seeds. In nature, a flower reproduces in this way.
Description of appearance and features
At home, New Guinea balsam can bloom for 10 months. Among flower growers, this property makes the plant very popular.
New Guinea hybrids are powerful and meaty... They have strong shoots, bright asymmetrical flowers and very dense leaves. Of the numerous varieties of balsams, these stand out for the beauty of flowering and the richness of greenery.
The peculiarities of varietal New Guinea balsam include the fact that the plant sheds its leaves due to:
- hypothermia;
- lack of lighting;
- drying out the soil.
How the flower will bloom is influenced by the choice of the pot, as well as the systematic introduction and composition of fertilizers.
New Guinea hybrids are prized for their coloration... Flowers come in different shades:
- pink;
- apricot;
- peach;
- pastel;
- fuchsia, etc.
Leaves, in addition to a bright dark green color, are bronze or with a yellowish enlightenment in the middle.
Photo
Landing
Can the plant be planted in the garden?
New Guinea balsam is one of the most simple plants in terms of care, both on the windowsill in the apartment and in the garden. It is able to withstand drying out and waterlogging of the soil for a short time.
Important! It must be borne in mind that in this case, the decorativeness of the flower, the density of the leaves and the number of buds that form, suffer.
Lighting and location
Balsam New Guinea prefers soft diffused light... It should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The best location for the flower is the sills of windows facing west and east. In winter, when daylight becomes shorter, the plant needs additional lighting... Otherwise, its shoots will stretch out, and the leaves will begin to fall off.
Soil requirements
The flower grows well in light, fertile soil. You can buy a ready-made substrate or prepare it yourself by mixing:
- Fertile soil.
- Leafy ground.
- Peat.
- Humus.
- Sand.
The self-prepared mixture must be disinfected.
Flower care at home
How to care for a flower?
For normal growth at home, indoor New Guinea balsam needs some care. The temperature should be 18 ° C ... 24 ° C... The flower has a negative effect:
- temperature below 10 ° С;
- frosty air;
- drafts.
Therefore, it should not be placed on the windowsill in the kitchen, because the windows there are often opened for ventilation.
The plant needs to be regularly watered abundantly, but only after the topsoil has dried. This will prevent rot from appearing. In winter, watering is reduced to twice a month., the water flowing into the sump should be discarded.
These plants are native to the tropics with high humidity, therefore, in dry air, they can shed buds and flowers.
Create optimal humidity indoors, regular spraying will help, except for flowers and buds.
This procedure is especially necessary in extreme heat and with the onset of the heating season. Flower leaves can be wiped with a damp sponge, thereby they will be cleaned of the dust layer and will breathe freely.
Abundant flowering is impossible without top dressing. Twice a month, New Guinea balsam is fertilized with mineral compounds with potassium. This element contributes to the formation of flowers. There is no need to feed with pure nitrogen, thanks to which the green mass will actively grow, and the flowering will slow down.
Balsam New Guinea does not tolerate pruning... If you want the bushes to look thicker and more compact, then you can pin the tops of the shoots. Although the plant itself is able to form a magnificent shape. For creating appearance and the shape of the bush is allowed to prune only the type of Harmony.
Once every 2-3 years, the flower must be transplanted. This is done in the spring. You need to take a small pot, both in diameter and depth. In cramped conditions, New Guinea balsam will grow more magnificently. At the bottom, organize a drainage layer, for example, from expanded clay. The flower must be carefully transferred from pot to pot. Fill the resulting void with soil to such a level that the root collar rises 2 cm above it.
Common diseases and pests
In most cases, New Guinea balsam gets sick from improper care. This is evidenced by the external condition of its parts. When exposed to direct sunlight, leaves appear yellow spots... This means that the flower has been burned.
It so happens that when the heating is turned on, the balsam leaves begin:
- dry around the edges;
- wither;
- fall off.
It is necessary to install special trays with water and expanded clay, or put a humidifier. If colorful leaves always turn pale, then this indicates a lack of nutrients. The introduction of complex fertilizers will help them become bright again.
To decay of the root system and stems of New Guinea balsam, and subsequently to fungal diseases, leads to:
- excessive watering;
- waterlogging of the soil;
- too damp air.
The flower can suffer from insect pests: aphids and spider mites. Contaminated New Guinea Balsam must be isolated. Treatment is carried out with special drugs. They cultivate the flower itself and the earth.
What if it doesn't bloom?
The reasons that new guinea balsam does not bloom, maybe:
- Deficiency of nutrients in the soil.
- Insufficient lighting.
- Surplus fertilizers.
- Incorrect feeding, namely, excess nitrogen.
When eliminating them, the flower will delight lush bloom.
Breeding features
V natural conditions balsam propagation occurs with the help of seeds. It is difficult to grow a flower in this way at home.
Seeds
According to statistics, out of 10 seeds sown, only 5 germinate. It should also be borne in mind that young plants obtained from seeds develop slowly, the slightest reason can lead to their death.
First you need to prepare fertile soil on which to carefully spread the seeds. After that, sprinkle them with a small layer of earth. Then moisten using a spray bottle or a spray can.
To create a greenhouse effect, all this must be covered with a transparent film or glass. It is necessary to systematically open the container to ventilate and moisten the soil, preventing the earthen coma from drying out. The appearance of the first shoots can be expected in 1.5-2 weeks.
Cuttings
The most effective propagation method of New Guinea balsam is cuttings. To do this, below the node, you must cut off the stalk on which you want to remove the lower leaves. Plant it in prepared soil. It is necessary to put the stalk in warm place where there is no draft, and where direct sunlight does not penetrate. Roots are formed after 14 days.
V indoor conditions balsam New Guinea lives for 4-5 years, then it must be renewed. When grown in open ground the plant becomes annual.
Balsam is a flower that, although it does not smell, stands out for its magnificent flowering. It is widely used in personal gardening. With the help of New Guinea balsam of different colors, landscape designers create picturesque and unique compositions.
Balsams are a large group of flowers that are very popular among indoor plant lovers. Despite the fact that the New Guinea balsam variety was bred relatively recently, it has already won the sympathy of flower growers. It is grown on windowsills, terraces and balconies. Often this variety is also used to decorate street flower beds.
Description and characteristics
Balsam New Guinea was obtained by crossing the Hawker variety with other flowering varieties of this plant. The flower has the following characteristics:
The main features of New Guinea hybrids are their strength and leaf fleshiness. At the end of the flowering period, elongated seed pods are formed on the bushes, which, when ripe, open from a light touch, releasing their seeds. That is why the people call balsam touchy. The uniqueness of this flower lies in its ability to bloom all year round, however, this is only possible if certain cultivation rules are followed.
Growth rate and life span
Balsams of this variety are characterized by rapid growth and can for short term stretch out strongly. Therefore, the florist needs to make sure that the bush develops more not in height, but in width. To do this, pinching of the shoots is carried out, which contributes to powerful branching and the formation of a lush crown.
When grown on personal plot balsam turns into an annual. This can be remedied by transplanting the plant into a pot and placing it on a windowsill.
Thus, you will prolong the life of this amazing flower, which is still long time will delight you with its blooming view... But even at home, balsams do not live long - about three years, after which the bushes need to be updated.
Varieties of New Guinea Balsam
New Guinea balsams are conventionally divided into three groups depending on their size:
- high grades - up to 0.6-0.9 m;
- sprawling ampelous;
- compact - up to 20 cm.
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The most popular among flower growers are the following varieties of New Guinea balsam:
An important factor in the cultivation of New Guineans is the correct location and the choice of the plant itself.
Plants of this species go on sale, as a rule, in spring. However, some flower shops bring in new lots in the fall. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the condition of the bushes - they should not have traces of damage by pests or diseases. After all, even one small speck that you did not notice can lead to the death of New Guinea balsam.
Reproduction and planting
Balsam is propagated mainly by seeds, which can be collected independently from existing bushes or purchased in a specialized store. When buying, you need to pay attention to the expiration date seed material, as well as information about the antifungal treatment carried out. If such information is not available or the seeds were sold untreated, they should be placed in a weak solution of manganese and left for 10 minutes. After that, the seeds must be transferred to a small strainer and rinsed thoroughly with warm water. The material is now completely ready for sowing.
Allium flower: planting and care in the open field
Growing from seeds
There are several simple rules concerning the planting of New Guinea balsam. Growing from seeds is done as follows:
Cutting flower
Cutting is considered the most acceptable method of propagation of balsam.
It is necessary to take a shoot, at the top of which there are at least three internodes, cut it just below the last one and place it in moistened sand or water for rooting. After 2-3 weeks, the stalk will take root.
For planting balsams and ensuring their active growth, as well as good health, loose, light and sufficiently fertile soil is used, which can be purchased at a specialized store.
Balsams, including New Guinea, are distinguished by their ability to bloom all year round. But this is only possible if proper care is provided.
The bushes look especially beautiful in the summer, when numerous blossoming inflorescences of various shades are amazingly combined with the rich color of the stems of New Guinea balsam.
Home care
Balsams are unpretentious plants, however, if the rules of care and maintenance are violated, they quickly lose their decorative qualities.
Common myrtle flower - home care
Watering and humidity
The plant loves moisture, but, despite this, it should be watered sparingly. When watering, try to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to stagnation and, as a result, decay of the root system, as well as leaves. In addition, moisture on the lower leaves of the flower can also destroy the ornamental bush.
Air humidity in the room should be no more than 60-70%, but not less than 40%. V winter period when the air becomes dry due to working heating radiators, it is recommended to carry out regular spraying (2 times a day), otherwise the lack of moisture will lead to leaf fall. You can also use another method - install the container with the plant on a pallet filled with moistened expanded clay.
Thermal and light conditions
New Guinea Balsam does not tolerate too high temperatures. Optimal indicator for him it will be + 22-25 degrees during the daytime and + 15-19 - at night. In autumn, when the natural daylight hours are reduced, the bushes need to provide additional illumination using special lamps. Plants need lighting for 14 hours a day.
Fertilization
You need to feed the flower no more than twice a month, and fertilizers should not be complex, but special potash, intended for flowering plants... Be careful with nitrogen-containing mixtures, an excess of this element can lead to an abnormal build-up of green mass and a complete stop of the flowering process.
Diseases and pests
In most cases, indoor balsam diseases occur due to a violation of the rules of care. For example, root rot appears due to regular waterlogging of the soil or excessive watering. The same factors cause rotting at the base of the stem.
Unlike other members of the family, the plant is large, but compact flowers can also be found. The height of the bush reaches 30-50 cm.The fleshy leaves have a bright color, starting with bronze and ending with a dark green tint, yellow middle... Their length is up to 10 cm, and their width is up to 5 cm. The presence of a strong reddish stem is also characteristic.
Large flowers with a diameter of 5-8 cm have correct forms, painted in different colors- from white to red. One bush can have one-color, two-ton or double inflorescences. At home, flowering can last 12 months.
After pollination, oblong capsules appear. Ripening, they become sensitive, if you touch them lightly, burst, throwing out the seeds. Therefore, the plant is also called "touchy".
Basic room types
Withdrawn enough a large number of varieties. Each of them has its own characteristic height, color of leaves, shape of buds. Depending on the parameters, the following three groups are distinguished.
- Compact low-growing bushes up to 20 cm high... They have small flowers... Perfect for growing in pots on windowsills, in greenhouses.
- Sprawling medium-sized flowers... They are shaped like a pyramid. Looks very nice in hanging pots.
- Vigorous bushes up to 50 cm high... They differ in erect shoots. In the interior, they are combined with other cultures, as they look poorly alone. Especially good in massive flowerpots.
Table - Indoor views New Guinea Balsam
| Name | Peculiarities |
|---|---|
| Harmony | - A branched bush of compact size; - large flowers one of 14 colors; - leaves from green to bronze shade |
| Divaro | - Small bushes with highly branching stems; - green leaves; - medium-sized flowers 6 shades |
| Macarena | - Leaves are bronze-green; - flowers of a bright orange hue |
| Jungle rain | - Pastel colors |
| Rainforest exotic | - Flowers are painted in 2 tones |
| SunPatiens Spreading White | - Compact bushes with variegated leaves; - medium-sized white flowers |
You can also give preference to the Java variety, which boasts a wide palette of flower shades. Alternatively, you can pay attention to the Mini Jini with abundant flowering.
Caring for New Guinea Balsam: What to Consider
Growing New Guinea balsam at home involves following a few simple rules. With the right approach, it will be healthy and beautiful.
Light and better place
The hybrid loves light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to place it on the west or east side. It can stand even in dark places, but in this case, the quantity and quality of flowering will suffer.
If the New Guinea balsam does not bloom in autumn and winter, then it does not have enough daylight hours. Therefore, it should be extended to 14-16 hours. How to do it? Based on the reviews, effective solution is the use of artificial light. There are special phytolamps that are absolutely safe for "touch-sensitive".
Poor-quality lighting leads to the fact that the plant is strongly stretched. The barrel becomes fragile and may break off.
Temperature
The optimum temperature for the "Guinean friend" of gardeners is 18-24 ° C. V summer time it is able to withstand heat, but only under regular watering conditions. The plant can be taken outdoors with the onset of spring. The main thing is that the temperature difference between day and night is 5-8 ° C. At 12 ° C, the touch-me-not die.
The plant can be destroyed not only by frosts and sudden jumps in temperature, but also by elementary drafts. Therefore, when ventilating the room, it is better to remove the pot in a more comfortable, cozy place.
Air humidity and watering
The humidity level should be 40-60%. In summer, in extreme heat, you can put an open container of water next to the "touchy". It is recommended to use a spray bottle several times a week. The plant is watered two to three times a week.
In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every 15-20 days. With a working central heating and in a dry microclimate, the plant needs additional spraying. Filtered or boiled warm water is used. The procedure is performed in the morning and evening hours. You can increase the humidity level by using a pallet into which pebbles or expanded clay are poured.
Although the balsam endures all adversity, it is not worth acting according to the principle "It is better to pour than to underfill". You need to moisten the soil regularly in small portions, which will help to avoid stagnant water. The main sign of over-watering is the formation of green moss on the surface of the soil. If its quantity is insufficient, "touch-me-not" withers.
It is not recommended to use tap water. Lime and other substances weaken the plant, lead to alkalization of the soil. Even rain or melt water is used, but previously settled or filtered.
Soil and top dressing
The soil should be moderately nutritious, loose and light. Acidity (pH) within 5.8-6.2. You can use a ready-made home culture medium from a store. A drainage layer must be present. If you prepare the soil yourself, then the following components will do:
- leafy land;
- humus;
- sand.
They are taken in equal parts and mixed until smooth. Vermiculite, expanded clay crumbs can be added to the finished mixture.
During the flowering period, the "touchy" is fed with mineral complexes of low concentration every two weeks. In winter, you can completely refuse additional food. Convenient and easy to feed the plant if you use liquid products diluted in water for irrigation. It is recommended to give preference to complexes with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.
Fertilizer with nitrogen contributes to the active development of green mass, but leads to poor flowering. Therefore, it is better to use it no more than once a year.
Pinching and transplanting
Pruning is not worth it, as it will lead to the appearance of thick and ugly "hemp". Only young tops are pinched once every one and a half to two years. In principle, the hybrid itself perfectly forms beautiful shape... An exception is the Harmony variety, which needs pruning.
Deciding to transplant "hard to get", the gardener Special attention pays the choice of the pot. A capacity is selected in size slightly larger than the previous version. It should completely cover the roots and be tight. This approach will provide the balsam with a lush and profuse flowering... The plant does not have a dormant period, so it is transplanted at any time every year. But it is still recommended to choose early spring... The procedure is carried out in six stages.
- A few hours before transplanting, we moisten the soil well.
- We are preparing a new soil for New Guinea balsam.
- We remove the plant and shake off the soil from the roots.
- In a new container, prepare a layer of drainage and soil, place a bush on top.
- Close the roots, tamp it slightly.
- Sprinkle with a little water.
Those who are just learning how to care for New Guinea balsam in a pot should remember that when transplanting, it is imperative to carefully examine the roots. Dead, aged roots are removed. Decaying areas are cut sharp knife... Damaged areas are treated with ash.
Reproduction methods
"Touch-me-not" is propagated by cuttings or seeds. The first method is the most popular, as it allows you to save everything decorative properties and maternal characteristics.
Vegetative
Peculiarities . Propagation of New Guinea balsam by cuttings is carried out in spring or early summer. Young plants are best planted in flowerpots 9-12 cm in size. Two weeks after the procedure, the cuttings will take root. Flowering can be expected in 60-90 days.
Procedure
- With a sharp knife, cut off the top of the shoot with three internodes.
- A stalk 8-11 cm long is placed in a pot with peat and sand, which are mixed in equal portions.
- To quickly root New Guinea balsam, the flowerpots are covered with polyethylene - a greenhouse effect is created.
If you organize the care of New Guinea balsam after purchase, then cuttings should be planned only after two to three years.
Seeds
Peculiarities. Seeds are sown in February or March in peat soil. Seedlings can be planted only when their height is 4 cm. Two leaves are required. Flowering can be expected in 85-120 days.
Procedure
- Previously, the seeds are kept in a potassium permanganate solution for ten minutes.
- After sowing, the soil is moistened, covered with foil.
- The seed container is placed in a warm place with good lighting.
- Two weeks later, when shoots appear, the film is removed.
Possible problems
In most cases, plant diseases are the consequences of improper care. The main ailments, problems and why they appear are described below.
- Wilted leaves. Most likely, the temperature is high and there is not enough moisture in the soil. Water the "touchy" more often, carefully ventilate the room.
- Leaves turn yellow, dry and fall... A lot of moisture and low temperature... Place the pot in a warmer place and adjust the frequency of watering.
- Flowers and buds fall off. Or do not appear at all. Insufficient light, dry and hot air. Prevent sudden temperature fluctuations, do not overfeed. Place the flowerpot in a well-lit area.
- Leaves do not grow and turn pale... The size of the pot is not correct. The problem appears due to a lack of power and light. Transplant the hard-to-reach into a large container, ensuring good lighting and regular feeding.
- Leaves curl... The plant is cold and damp. Move it to a warm, drier place.
- Weak bloom. Improper feeding. Reduce the dosage of fertilizers that contain nitrogen.
- Light spots on the leaves. The plant has received sunburn or sprayed with hard water. Place the pot out of direct sunlight, use only filtered water for irrigation.
"Touchy" often suffers from fungal rot - root, gray. Common manifestations of diseases are the appearance of plaque, softening and wilting of leaves and stems. Plant resuscitation: the affected areas are removed, the sections are treated with ash or activated carbon. Such fungicides as "Maxima", "Fundazol" are effective.
Pests
Often, pests appear only when the conditions for keeping the plant are not respected. If the air in the room is dry, that is high probability spider mite lesions. He entangles the "touchy" with cobwebs and sucks the juice from the plant. Thrips often appear. With a weak lesion, balsam is sprayed with alcohol or soapy water... If there are a lot of pests, then a ready-made insecticidal composition will help.
You can observe how small white flies appear on the "touchy" -. Folk remedies won't help here. Treatment is best done with drugs. The sticky insect tape, which is hung near the flower, helps.
Cultivars that have light colored flowers are less resistant to disease than other species.
As you admire your New Guinea green friend, be sure to periodically inspect the leaves for insects. Pay attention to the soil and make sure there is no green moss. How to take care of New Guinea balsam so that it will “thank” you with lush and long flowering? It is enough to show attention to him. And then in room conditions he will be able to live up to five years.
In nature, there are more than 500 types of balsam. Among which, New Guinea Balsam has gained popularity since 1972... The birthplace of the flower is West Africa.
Humidity and watering
Balsam New Guinea is unpretentious flower, but if you provide for it improper care, it can stop blooming or completely die. With proper care, the plant will delight with its flowers all year round.... The main requirements are humidity and watering. Water should be watered regularly and abundantly.
Do not allow stagnation of water in the pot, otherwise the stem may rot.
The optimum humidity is 50%. In hot weather you need to water every day. to prevent the soil from drying out. V winter time watering should be reduced to 2 times a week... Too dry air should not be allowed, flowers may fall off. To increase humidity, it is recommended to spray the plant warm water, especially in winter. You can also increase the humidity by placing the pot on a tray of expanded clay, where the water is poured.
Temperature and lighting
Balsam is considered a light-loving flower. He needs to find a place, avoiding direct sunlight. In winter, the plant must be provided with artificial additional lighting. Due to the lack of light, the shoots can stretch out, the shape of the bush is deformed. The indoor flower is thermophilic, therefore it is necessary to provide it with optimal temperature from 18 to 25 degrees... Since the flower does not tolerate temperature changes and jumps, you need to make sure that it is the same in summer and winter. You can take the flower out to the balcony or street for airing, but you should avoid drafts.
Soil and fertilizers
Indoor balsam prefers fertile, loose soil that allows air to pass through easily. Drainage must be done at the bottom of the pot so that water does not stagnate in it. For drainage, both expanded clay and crushed stone can be suitable. The soil can be purchased at the store, as well as prepare your own soil composition from:
- leafy land;
- fertile soil;
- humus;
- peat;
- sand.
It is necessary to feed potash fertilizers every 2 weeks, in summer season. During the period of winter dormancy, the plant does not need feeding.. Nitrogen fertilizers should be used as little as possible, up to 1 time per year. Since because of them, there is an abundant appearance and growth of foliage, which will lead to inhibition of flowering.
Pruning
The balsam does not need constant pruning, it is allowed to pinch the young tops of the shoots, otherwise, after trimming, bare hemp will remain. Basically, the plant independently forms a decorative and lush bush shape.
It is allowed to trim only the Harmony view to create the bush shape and appearance.
Problems with growing balsam
Diseases and pests
Like all indoor flowers, balsam can be susceptible to diseases and pests. The most common are:
- fungal rot;
- root;
- stem;
- gray;
- spider mite;
- whitefly;
- thrips;
With stem and root rot, appears on the shoots white bloom and they become soft. It will not be possible to cure the disease, you can only stop it. For this, all affected parts, shoots and leaves are cut off from the plant. Then the flower is treated with various fungicides. Pests can also cause great harm to the flower. Spider mite entangles the whole plant with its cobweb, after which leaves and flowers wither. Whiteflies and aphids are also very harmful. When these pests are recognized, the flower should be placed in a separate room to prevent insects from spreading to other plants. Further, it must be sprayed with drugs: Actellik, Akarin.
What to do if the flower withers
If the flower begins to fade, there are possible reasons. They can be caused by improper and untimely care.:
- Elevated temperature, little moisture... To do this, you can arrange a shower for the plant, spray it and place the pot in a bowl of water for a few minutes.
- Insufficient lighting... Choose a well-lit place.
- Lack or excess of fertilizers... Should be fed 2 times a month.
- Inappropriate pot size... Balsam loves the pot small size to fill it with the root.
With proper care and following all the rules of cultivation, indoor flower will delight with its flowering all year round.
Features of care in summer and winter
Winter and summer care consists of the following steps:
- In summer, as often as possible to water, and in winter, watering should be reduced.
- Temperature should be no more than 25 degrees in summer, and should not fall below 10 degrees in winter, otherwise the leaves will simply wither.
- In winter, the flower needs additional lighting.
- Should reduce feeding balsam in winter.
- Transplant and reproduction best produced in spring or summer. This is not allowed in winter.
The air temperature in the room should not fall below 10 degrees, otherwise the New Guinea balsam will simply die In winter, New Guinea balsam calmly tolerates all conditions, if provided:
- moderate watering;
- additional lighting;
- optimal humidity air;
- suitable temperature;
- draft protection and cold.
Possible care difficulties
As for any houseplant, and for balsam, some problems and difficulties may arise when growing at home. The main and common problems are:
- Withering and falling leaves... It can occur at low temperatures below 10 degrees, or rare watering.
- The stems are pulled out... Occurs at high temperatures and lack of light. In this case, cropping will help.
- The appearance of insect pests... Most often occur at low humidity and lack of ventilation.
- The buds on the plant fall... Insufficient lighting, possible drying out of the soil and heat in room. Temperature changes must not be allowed.
- Leaves curl and fall... The plant needs to provide warmth and reduce humidity. It is allowed to transplant the plant into loose and fertile soil.
- Leaves turn pale... The reason for this is the lack of light, especially in winter.
Reproduction methods
You can propagate New Guinea balsam: by seed and cuttings. In early spring or at the beginning of summer, shoots are cut from the main bush, 10 cm long. They are planted in prepared pots with a mixture of peat and sand. From above, the cuttings are covered with foil and watered abundantly. After 2 weeks, when they take root, the film should be removed.
Young plants are best planted in small pots, 10 cm in diameter.
Seed reproduction is carried out in several stages.:
- Soaking the seeds v warm water for a few hours.
- Sow start in March, in peat soil.
- Seeds mixed with sand.
- Watering from a spray bottle so as not to wash out the seeds.
- Top boxes cover with foil.
- Provide lit place, with a temperature of at least 20 degrees.
- After 2-3 weeks, when the first shoots appear, the film should be removed.
- Upon reaching seedlings 5 cm, they are transplanted into separate containers.
At seed reproduction plant can bloom in 3 months.
Transfer
Balsamin has a fast growth and development rate, so it needs an annual transplant. It is produced during the period when the plant has not gained color. It is best to replant in spring or summer. During the period of winter dormancy, it is not transplanted. In order to properly transplant an indoor flower, you need to follow these recommendations:
- Shed profusely a flowerpot in a pot to make it easier to remove.
- Pick up a pot with a diameter more old by 5-6 cm.
- Prepare fresh composition fertile soil.
- Get the plant out of the pot, peel, rinse the roots from the ground. Remove old and rotten areas if necessary.
- Place a plant in a new pot, sprinkle with earth and tighten it slightly.
- Plant well spill with standing water room temperature.
Common moments with a flower
How fast New Guinea balsam grows
Balsam of this type has gained immense popularity among flower growers. It is unpretentious and grows easily both indoors and outdoors. In general, balsam grows and grows very quickly. It is necessary to monitor the growth and, if necessary, pinch long shoots... Then the bush will look decorative.
How long does it live
When growing a plant indoors, it can live up to 4-5 years. Then it should be updated using cuttings. When grown outdoors, it becomes like an annual plant.
Balsam is a plant, if it has beautiful flowers, it has no smell.
At correct cultivation balsam at home, it will delight all gardeners with its colorful flowers all year round. Even a beginner will be interested in purchasing an indoor flower, which will not be difficult for growing it.