Kashmir balsam
impatiens balfourii
Also known as: ["Kashmir touch-me-not","poor man's orchid"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual plant native to the Himalayas, known for its showy pink or white flowers that explosively release seeds when ripe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus: | Impatiens |
| Botanical Name: | Impatiens balfourii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or shaded garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, rarely required in humid environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; major pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust for seasonal light changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in filtered light outdoors; protect from intense midday sun indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-draining, organic-rich potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; refresh top layer annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); thrives in mild temperatures; avoid extreme heat or cold.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leggy growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings are the most reliable method; can also be propagated from seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; remove dead or yellowing leaves; cut back leggy stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim root bound areas; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid pooling; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and summer, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; use pH adjusters if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or death; impatiens are not frost-tolerant.
Solution: Move plants indoors or to a protected area before frost; provide a heat source if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and leaf scorch; rapid water loss occurs in high temperatures.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Impatiens balfourii. The plant's toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Impatiens balfourii can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicImpatiens balfourii contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's physiological impact is generally limited to localized irritation and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Impatiens balfourii invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions outside its native habitat.
Q: How do I propagate Impatiens balfourii?
A: It self-seeds readily; simply scatter seeds where you want new plants to grow.
Q: Does Impatiens balfourii require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Balsaminaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
