Balsam Plant with vibrant attractive flowers

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Balsam plants are easy to grow and bloom in many vibrant colors adding beauty to the garden. They do not require much care. They bloom for a longer period and time and is easy to maintain.

Quick Details of Balsam

Balsam Buying Instructions

• Balsam plant require full to partial guide so buy it accordingly.
• Buy a bushy and healthy plant.

Overview of Balsam Plant

These are flowering annual plants belonging to the family Balsaminaceae and are native to India and Southeast Asia. They can grow up to a height of 10-12 inches and spread up to 8-10 inched width. The stems are mostly succulent. The leaves are dark green in color, lanced shaped and slightly serrated. The flowers are borne directly on the stem, double petaled and bloom in colors like white, pink, red, rose and purple. They bloom from spring to summer .

Usage and Advantage of Balsam Plant

• Grown as an ornamental plant.

General Care for Balsam Plant

Soil

They prefer a well draining, fertile rich soil.

Water

Water the plants regularly to maintain moisture. The plants stop flowering if they do not get enough water.

Sunlight

Balsam plants prefer bright direct sunlight or partial shade. In places with harsh summers, place them in spots where there is shade in the after. They grow even in shade but flowering takes place only when they receive ample amount of sunlight.

Temperature

These plants thrive best in warm, humid conditions. The plants cannot tolerate cold weather. In places with harsh summers, The plants starts to wilt.

Special Care

They do not require much care. Make sure to water the plants regularly. Feed the plants ones in 2 weeks and provide them with proper sunlight. deadheading of flowers can be difficult because of the arrangement, However, feeding at regular intervals can help in increasing the flowering period.

Fertilization

Add a balanced fertilizer or any liquid fertilizer ones in 2 weeks.

Pests and other problems for Balsam

The plants can get infested with fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot and rot. They are prone to pathogens when there is excess water in the soil or on the surface of the plants and when the plants are under stress. Provide proper care to the plants and do not over water the plants. Use an fungicide or spray Neem oil to the infected area.

Root Knot Nematodes: These are caused by microscopic nematodes that infect the plant causing swellings/ galls on the roots. The infected plants can wilt and die.

Downy Mildew: It is a fungal disease. Mostly infects the leaves. The infected leaves develop whitish patches on the underside of the leaves which further spread to the upper side. The infected leaves curl, wilt and die. Mostly caused due to excess moisture or lack of proper aeration. Avoid over head watering of the plants and also make sure to provide enough space between the plants for proper aeration.

Edema: Mostly caused due to the excess moisture in the soil. The plants tend to absorb the excess moisture than required which results in the distorted leaves. The plants can wilt if not taken care at the right time.

Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that results in the formation of a white coat on the surface of the leaf which further turns black. This results in the leaf to become yellow, curl, wilt and die. Mostly seen when the conditions are humid or when there is excess water on the surface of leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Provide the plants with enough amount of sunlight and proper aeration.

Propagation of Balsam

Propagation of balsam takes place through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the dying flowers. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil. Do not cover it with soil. The direct sunlight can aid in the germination. The seeds germinate relatively soon within 4-6 days. Water the soil to keep the soil moist.