What is Impatiens
In the courtyard fence, on the balcony pot, you can always see this colorful plant stretching its graceful figure. Impatiens not only adorns our living space with its unique flower shape but also carries the traditional wisdom of nail painting and beauty. Let's get to know this wonderful plant, which combines ornamental and practical values, from three dimensions.
I. Understanding the Morphological Characteristics of Impatiens
1.1 Basic Plant Structure
As an annual herb in the Impatiens family, its plant height usually varies between 60-100cm. The erect, fleshy stems can reach a diameter of 8mm, supporting alternate narrow elliptical leaves, these 4-12cm long green leaves glisten with health in the sunlight.
1.2 Unique Reproductive Characteristics
The 2-3 flower buds grouped in the leaf axils bloom in a gradient of red, pink, white, and other colors. The most astonishing is that when the fruit matures, it suddenly explodes, ejecting round seeds known as 'quick children', this method of propagation ensures its widespread distribution in nature.
II. Practical Applications of Impatiens in Life
2.1 Traditional Nail Painting Art
Since the records in "Compendium of Materia Medica," its petals have been used for nail painting. Crushing fresh petals and applying them to the nails, the plant pigments渗透 to form natural paintings, this non-toxic dyeing method still holds a place in the beauty industry today.
2.2 Horticultural Landscaping Value
As one of the three treasures of the courtyard, its blooming period can extend from June to frost. By combining different flower color varieties, it can create a rich landscape层次, especially suitable for creating a countryside style garden.
III. Scientific Maintenance Guide
3.1 Water Management Skills
Maintaining slightly moist soil without waterlogging is key, it is recommended to use the 'dry-wet' method. Water in the morning and evening in summer, and switch to noon in winter, using a fine-mist spray bottle to simulate natural rainfall.
3.2 Key Points of Temperature Control
The optimal growth temperature is between 16-26°C, and it needs to be moved indoors when the temperature drops below 10°C. After sowing in late spring, cover with plastic film to keep warm, and build a sunshade net when the temperature exceeds 30°C in midsummer.
3.3 Disease and Pest Control
This plant treasure that spans both ornamental and practical uses not only carries the memory of traditional culture but also meets the modern demand for closeness to nature. After mastering its growth patterns, whether it's creating a garden landscape or experiencing plant dyeing, you can double the joy of planting.