Balsam home care transplant and reproduction. Balsam New Guinea

New Guinea balsam was bred by breeders from its relative, Hawker's balsam. The flower is perennial and larger than other representatives of this genus. Although there are compact plants.

Large leaves are brightly colored (from bronze to dark green, with yellow center). They are larger than other members of the family. Balsam blooms for almost 12 months, its flowers are relatively large, have many shades. Light and warmth - that's what the plant loves. For this reason, it is grown where there are no drafts (in summer), indoors - in winter.

Cuttings are cut from the mother bush (in spring or summer) (the tip of the shoot with 3 internodes). Their length should be 8 - 11 cm. Plant them in pots filled with peat soil (50%) and sand (50%). Then (until full rooting) they are covered with a film. The soil, immediately after planting, must be watered and kept slightly moist. After 14 - 15 days, the cuttings will take root. And they can bloom in 60 - 90 days.

Important: young plants are planted in small containers (diameter - 9 - 12 cm).

Before sowing, the seeds are kept in water with manganese for 10 minutes, then in water at room temperature. There is another way to soak seeds: wet tissue. Sowed in February or March days in peat land. The seeds of the flower are very small, and to avoid dense sowing, they must be mixed with sand. The soil after sowing - moisten, cover with a film. Place containers with seeds in a place that is well lit; the temperature should correspond to 20 - 21 degrees. After 2 weeks, when the seeds germinate, the film is removed. When the sprouts reach 4 cm (they will have 2 leaves), small plants are seated in pots. After 85 - 120 days, the plants bloom.

Diseases develop due to the fact that the plant is kept in improper conditions:

New Guinea balsam pests

This is interesting: varieties with light-colored flowers are less resistant to diseases.

Video on caring for New Guinea balsam at home

New Guinea balsam is an innovative hybrid that stands out more large inflorescences and strong stem. Differs in a huge variety of varieties of different colors from plain to multi-color.

Flowering takes a very long period, the view can please bright inflorescences all year round, without interruption.

It is divided into 3 groups depending on the height of the plants.

1. Compact low bush, ideal for breeding at home and in the greenhouse.
2. Plants medium height, pyramidal shape with spreading shoots.
3. Balsam for outdoor cultivation. It is distinguished by high erect shoots that do not branch and look sparsely alone. It is recommended to plant in groups to get lush thickets.

Motherland

New Guinea balsam comes from the tropics of West Africa. Name received thanks to his parent Balsam Hawkeri, who was discovered by Lieutenant John Hawkeri in Papua New Guinea. Almost 100 years later, scientists crossed the find with several other varieties and got a wonderful hybrid.

The origin of garden balsam is also attributed to the subtropics of Africa; in the wild, in Africa, the Aptenia succulent also grows.

Flowering and photo

When grown in the garden flowers are formed from May to September, at home - all year round.

In the same period, from May to September, most species of Beloperone bloom; but tubular lilies can bloom from June to October.

You can visually familiarize yourself with New Guinea balsam in the photo below:

How to care at home?

In this article, we will take a closer look at home care for New Guinea balsam. Rest assured, it does not require any special skills.

Temperature

Balsam New Guinea loves warmth very much, easily tolerates heat. The ideal mode is a constant temperature within 22-26 ° without sudden changes and drafts. At a temperature below 12 ° balsam will die.

Almost the same temperature regime it is necessary to withstand for Clerodendrum - 20-25 ° in summer, about 15 ° in winter.

Even a short exposure to cold leads to freezing of the leaves.

To the street or balcony tender plant It is recommended to take it out during the day in the absence of wind; it can be left at night only if the difference between day and night temperatures is not more than 5 °.

Lighting

The New Guinea hybrid loves the light just as warmly. That doesn't stop him from suffering direct impact sun.

In order not to harm the plant, it is put on the windowsill of the western or eastern window.

In winter provide additional lighting so that the balsam receives 14-15 hour light period.

Lack of light will lead to loosening the bush, the loss of a compact form, the shoots will begin to turn pale and stretch ugly towards the light source.

Watering

New Guinea balsam needs v in large numbers moisture, the principle “It is better to overfill than underfill” applies to him. Even short-term dryness causes disastrous consequences and stress in the plant, to which it reacts with wilting of leaves and a decrease in overall turgor. Recovery is going very slowly.

Otherwise, the roots and fleshy stems will begin to rot.

Continue watering in winter in full, without changing the mode and frequency, because the New Guinean balsam does not go to rest, continuing to actively develop and bloom.

For watering and spraying do not use hard water directly from the plumbing. The lime contained in it weakens the plant and alkalizes the soil, while balsam prefers a slightly acidic reaction.

Water before irrigation must be defended for a day or filtered, you can use melt and rain water.

Humidity

The optimal score is 45-55%. A decrease leads to drying and falling off of leaf blades and inflorescences, and the cessation of flowering.

To avoid this, balsam sprayed with a spray bottle.

In hot dry summer weather and winter heating season next to a flower place an open container filled with water.

Or put a pot on a pallet with wet stones. These measures will save the delicate plant from drying out.

Fertilizer

While flowering continues, the plant feed with mineral complexes every 2-2.5 weeks. The easiest way is to use a liquid form, which is diluted in water for irrigation.

You should choose top dressing with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.

Nitrogen compounds contribute to the fattening of balsam. Instead of active flowering, you can get a violent development of green mass against the background of poor inflorescence formation.

How to crop

Pinching can be subjected to only young tops.

If you cut off the adult shoots, thick "stumps" will remain, sharply reducing the decorative effect of the balsam.

In general, pruning is required rarely, since the hybrid itself perfectly forms nice shape bushes and branches.

The exception is series Harmony, pinch it to get a beautiful semicircular bush.

Transfer

Balsam grows and develops rapidly, blooms for a long time, therefore it needs regular renewal of the soil and replenishment of nutrients. Transplantation is carried out every year outside the flowering period.
Step-by-step instruction by transplant.

1. It is good to shed the soil in a pot of balsam a few hours before the procedure.
2. Buy a new pot a little larger than the old one in diameter.
3. Treat it with a solution of potassium permanganate of medium concentration for disinfection.
4. Prepare new soil.

   It should be moisture-absorbing, breathable, loose and quite nutritious. You can mix humus, sheet soil, soddy soil, peat, crushed expanded clay and vermiculite are added to loosen and retain moisture.

   Ready-made nutrient soil for flowering plants is suitable.

5. Remove the plant from the container, gently shake off the old earth, exposing the root system. If necessary, it can be washed with warm water.
6. Perform a visual inspection of the roots, remove all suspicious, dead and aged ones. Cut decaying areas with a very sharp instrument to healthy tissues. Disinfect wounds with crushed coal or ash.
7. In a new container, place drainage from stones at the bottom, pour earth on top and place a bush.

   The roots should be straightened and located freely.

8. Close the root system with soil, pouring it up to the root neck, tamp.
9. Shed the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate from a watering can so as not to erode it.

reproduction

New Guinea balsam is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

The second method is simpler and more effective, since the seeds do not have the best germination.

Step-by-step instructions for propagation by cuttings.

1. Take a suitable container - not very deep and with holes in the bottom.
2. Prepare loose soilless substrate. You can use peat and sand. Pour it into planting containers and treat with fungicidal agents against fungi.
3. Cut off healthy tops with a couple of internodes, remove the lower leaves.
4. Treat slices with a root stimulator.
5. Place the cuttings in the substrate, deepening a couple of centimeters.
6. Create a greenhouse effect by covering the landings with halves of plastic bottles.
7. After 1-3 days, the cuttings can be treated with Zircon, Epin or any other growth stimulant.
8. Ventilate the greenhouse regularly, maintain soil moisture.
9. The signal of successful rooting is the increased growth of seedlings.

Instead of a substrate, soft water can be used, in which cuttings are placed for rooting.

Step by step instructions for seed propagation.

1. Fill wooden box a light nutrient mixture of peat, humus and garden soil.
2. Spread the seeds evenly over the surface and lightly sprinkle with soil.
3. Moisten plantings from a watering can or spray bottle.
4. Cover the box with polyethylene film (it can be replaced with glass of a suitable size).
5. Wait for shoots, which should appear in 9-15 days.

Usually a very small number of seeds sprout, even with proper care they give weak stunted sprouts, often die without any reason.

cultivation

Young sprouts require slightly different care than adult balsam.

The temperature during the day should be within 21-23 °, at night it can drop to 17-18 °.

Lighting is required bright, but diffused. Light day - at least 12-13 hours.

Water moderately, withstanding longer periods (over 2-3 days). It is worth waiting for the drying of the surface layer of the soil.

Humidity is maintained the same as in adult plants.

Top dressing begins 8-12 days after rooting, reducing the concentration by 50% of that indicated. The introduction of nitrogen at this time is welcome, in addition, seedlings need potash fertilizers.

• It is first necessary to prepare a fertile mixture by mixing garden soil with peat and humus in equal proportions.
• lay out neatly on the soil and sprinkle a little on top.
• Next, moisten everything with a watering can with a spray or atomizer.
• The container with crops is covered with a film or glass for a greenhouse effect.
• The soil is regularly ventilated and moistened so that the earthen ball does not dry out.
• The first shoots should appear within 1.5-2 weeks.

Diseases and pests

Basically, balsam occurs with improper care. Very clearly all diseases can be seen on the leaves and their condition:

1. The appearance of yellow spots indicates that direct sunlight falls on the plant and leaves burns. This often happens during the hot summer period.
2. In the winter season, when heating is turned on, there is a danger of drying out the air around the plant. This can be seen from the dry edges and wilted and fallen leaves. During this period, it is necessary to install a humidifier or special trays with water and expanded clay.
3. If the bright leaves begin to fade, this indicates that the soil does not have the necessary beneficial components. It is worth choosing complex ones to restore nutrients to the plant.
4. With excessive watering and waterlogging of the soil, as well as strong damp air, fungal diseases, which lead to decay of the stems and root system. This disease has no cure. The flower is completely removed from the pot, all damaged parts are removed both at the top and at the bottom. All cuts are processed charcoal, and the flower with special preparations. The prepared plant is placed in a new pot, and fresh soil.

Of the balsam can often be found spider mite or . If infection is detected, the flower is removed from the common room and isolated. For treatment, special ones are purchased, with which the soil in which it grows is also cultivated during the quarantine period.

If necessary, all flowers in the room are also sprayed for prevention.

Balsam New Guinea has found wide application in landscaping 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:

Balsam New Guinea: care and reproduction by Golubenko I.A., photo by the author Balsam is an unsurpassed plant for decorating the house and semi-shady places in the garden. Waller's balsam (or Waller, impement, "Wet Roly") is very popular and has long been common in culture. Less known to our flower growers, New Guinea Impatiens balsam (New Guinea Impatiens) is a hybrid plant bred by complex crossing of Hawker's balsam with beautifully flowering balsams of other species. This article is devoted to the features of growing this beautiful plant, which deserves wide distribution among Russian flower growers. Benefits of New Guinea Balsam New Guinea Balsam dwarf varieties suitable for indoor cultivation in pots and for garden decoration. But their taller varieties (30-50 cm, up to 90 cm) have also been bred compared to Waller's compact balsams, which are used in landscape design. The flowers of the New Guinea balsam outwardly resemble the flowers of Waller's balsam, which has fragile shoots with delicate leaves. However, the New Guinea balsam has a strong trunk, on which there are long, dense, elegant leaves (in some varieties they are distinguished by the presence of colorful patterns). New Guinea balsams have a very large flowers(5-8 cm in diameter), blooming in the house throughout the year. Colorful varieties and hybrids have flowers of various colors: white, as well as pink, salmon, red, raspberry, purple in various shades. The leaves of New Guinea balsams are intensely colored, they are different color(from bright green to purple and bronze, sometimes with a yellow or reddish middle leaf blade). Compared to Waller's balsams, New Guinea hybrids are also thermophilic, but more light-loving. They can also be grown indoors and in the garden during the warm season. New Guinea balsams grow well in flowerpots placed in bright, wind-sheltered corners of the garden or on terraces. Balsam propagation methods Plant lovers and professionals practice growing various varieties of balsam from seeds. Balsam seeds are sown in February. Contain crops in a warm, bright place on windowsills, in greenhouses or greenhouses. Balsam seeds germinate at a temperature of about 23 degrees for 3-4 weeks. With a lack of natural light, additional illumination is necessary for the normal development of seedlings. It is possible to propagate balsams and vegetatively - apical grassy cuttings all year round. In this way, old plants that have stretched out and lost their leaves are replaced. Cuttings are cut from the mother liquors of balsams stored in greenhouses. New Guinea balsam cuttings successfully take root within a week (in wet sand, vermiculite, perlite) under a film. Balsam Care room conditions Created by breeders, compact varieties and hybrids of New Guinea balsams, characterized by a variety of colors of flowers and leaves, are mainly intended for growing in the house. Room conditions are great for keeping balsam: temperature in the range of 15-20 degrees and moderate humidity. Therefore, in such favorable conditions The plant may or may not be sprayed. In winter and hot summer periods when the air becomes dry (due to this, flowers and buds fall prematurely), the plants are sprayed with boiled water. At the same time, try not to get on the flowers. It is necessary to avoid direct hot sunlight on the balsam - this plant prefers diffused soft light; can stand in partial shade. To save decorative look and lush flowering balsams require systematic watering and fertilizing. Balsam New Guinea loves watering, but for development optimal mode watering should take into account the time of year. In winter, watering can be moderate, and in summer - plentiful. In addition, in summer it is necessary to ensure that the soil near the balsam is kept slightly moist, but in no case is it flooded. Waterlogging of the substrate leads to rotting of the roots and the base of the stem. Top dressing of balsam takes place during the period of active growth in spring and summer; I feed in 15 days. Balsams have no special requirements for fertilizers. Therefore, both complex fertilizers and organic (but without excess nitrogen) and mineral fertilizers are suitable - individually or in turn. In autumn and winter, balsams do not fertilize. It is not necessary to transplant an adult New Guinean balsam. Only if necessary, a young plant is transshipped, and only in the spring. When transplanting balsam, a simple mixture is prepared, consisting of two parts of leafy and humus soil with the addition of one part of sand. From ready-made universal soils for growing indoor plants balsams prefer a peat substrate with the addition of vermiculite. Pinching the tops of the shoots helps to maintain the compactness of the bush and better branching of the young balsam, which contributes to its abundant flowering. Features of the content of balsam Remember that balsam is very sensitive to drafts. With a lack of light, with a cold content and irregular watering, balsam can shed its leaves. In order for the balsam to bloom regularly and profusely during the garden season, it needs to be in a cramped pot and receive sufficient potassium-dominated fertilizing intended for flowering plants. With improper care, balsam is often affected by gray rot. For balsam, pest attacks (whiteflies, aphids and spider mites) are very dangerous. Regularly check the tops of the shoots and inspect the underside of the leaves for timely detection and control of insects. Igor Alexandrovich Golubenko (Armavir, Krasnodar Territory)

New Guinea balsam is native to 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 and growing well. The plant has the appearance of a bush with many stems..

For oblong-oval pointed leaves:

• bright veins;
• 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. At the top of the stems is one or more buds. Flowering lasts several months, it is affected climatic conditions and 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, throwing out seeds. In nature, the 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 fleshy. They have strong shoots, bright asymmetric flowers and very densely arranged leaves. Of the numerous varieties of balsams, these stand out for the beauty of flowering and the richness of greenery.

The features of the varietal New Guinea balsam include the fact that the plant sheds leaves due to:

1. hypothermia;
2. lack of lighting;
3. soil drying out.

How the flower will bloom is influenced by the choice of pot, as well as the systematic introduction and composition of fertilizers.

New Guinea hybrids are valued for their coloring.. Flowers come in different shades:

• pink;
• apricot;
• peach;
• pastel;
• fuchsia, etc.

The leaves, in addition to the bright dark green color, are bronze or with a yellowish enlightenment in the middle.

Photo

Landing

Can the plant be planted in the garden?

Balsam New Guinea 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 tolerate short-term drying and waterlogging of the soil.

Important! It must be borne in mind that in this case the decorative effect of the flower, the density of the leaves and the number of emerging buds suffer.

Lighting and location

Balsam New Guinea prefers soft diffused light. It must not be exposed to direct sunlight. The best location for the flower are window sills facing west and east. In winter, when daylight hours become 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 purchase a ready-made substrate or cook it yourself by mixing:

1. Fertile soil.
2. leafy earth.
3. Peat.
4. Humus.
5. Sand.

Self-prepared mixture must be disinfected.

Flower care at home

How to care for a flower?

For normal growth at home, indoor New Guinean balsam needs some care. The temperature should be 18°С ...24 °С. The flower has a negative effect:

• temperature below 10 °C;
• frosty air;
• drafts.

Therefore, it should not be placed on the windowsill in the kitchen, because there the windows are often opened for ventilation.

The plant should be regularly watered abundantly, but only after the topsoil dries. This will prevent rot from appearing. In winter, watering is reduced to two times a month., the water flowing into the pan should be poured out.

These plants are native to the tropics. high humidity, therefore, in dry air, they can drop buds and flowers.

Create optimal humidity indoors, regular spraying will help, with the exception of flowers and buds.

This procedure is especially necessary in extreme heat and with the onset of the heating season. The leaves of the flower can be wiped with a damp sponge, thereby they will be cleaned of a layer of dust 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. No need to feed with pure nitrogen, due to which the green mass will actively grow, and 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 pinch 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, pruning is allowed only for the Harmony species.

Once every 2-3 years, the flower must be transplanted. This is done in the spring. Gotta take a pot small size 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 neck of the root 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 state of its parts. When exposed to direct sunlight on the leaves appear yellow spots. This means that the flower got 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 pallets with water and expanded clay or put a humidifier. If the always colorful leaves turn pale, then this indicates a lack of nutrients. The introduction of complex fertilizers will help them become bright again.

To rotting 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 pests: aphids and spider mites. Infected New Guinea balsam must be isolated. Treatment is carried out with special drugs. They process the flower itself and the earth.

What to do if it does not bloom?

The reasons why the New Guinea balsam does not bloom may be:

1. Nutrient deficiency in the soil.
2. Insufficient lighting.
3. excess fertilizer.
4. Incorrect top dressing, namely excess nitrogen.

When they are eliminated, the flower will delight lush bloom.

Reproduction features

V vivo 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 must also be borne in mind that young plants obtained from seeds develop slowly the slightest cause can lead to their death.

First you need to prepare fertile soil, on which you carefully spread the seeds. After that, sprinkle them with a small layer of earth. Then moisten using a spray bottle or a spray bottle.

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 clod from drying out. The appearance of the first shoots can be expected in 1.5-2 weeks.

cuttings

The most effective method of propagation of New Guinean balsam is cuttings. To do this, below the node, you need to 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 form after 14 days.

In room conditions, New Guinea balsam lives 4-5 years, then it needs to be updated. When grown in open field the plant becomes an annual.

Balsam is a flower that, although it does not smell, stands out for its magnificent flowering. It is widely used in landscaping personal plots. With the help of different colors of New Guinea balsam flowers, landscape designers create picturesque and unique compositions.