Why is Impatiens called "Impatient Plant": Care Tips and Wonderful Uses for Dyeing

What are the characteristics of Impatiens chinensis

In the summer courtyard, you can always see a few clusters of colorful impatiens swaying in the wind. This seemingly gentle plant not only has unique growth characteristics, but also carries thousands of years of folk wisdom. Let us uncover the hidden secrets of this "exploding" flower through four dimensions. Analysis of morphological characteristics The flower structure like butterfly wings The most eye-catching balsam is its butterfly-shaped flower. Each flower consists of 5 petals as thin as cicada wings, with a slender distance extending from the base. This special structure is not only conducive to insect pollination, but also forms a unique ornamental value. Through artificial selection, modern cultivated varieties have developed more than 20 flower types such as double petals and wrinkled edges. The magical leaves with multicolored gradient are lanceolate and will show red and green gradient colors under sufficient light. Leaf edge serrations are not simply defensive structures. Studies have found that these serrations can effectively collect morning dew and provide water replenishment to plants during drought. The surface of the leaves is covered with a waxy layer, which gives them natural anti-pollution capabilities. Cultivation and management points Light and temperature control As typical positive plants, they require at least 6 hours of direct light every day. Appropriate shade needs to be shaded at noon in summer, and keeping above 15℃ in winter can continue flowering. Annual cultivation can be achieved through temperature control, and the color is the most vivid when the temperature difference between day and night is 8℃. The scientific water supply plan adopts the watering principle of "seeing wet when dry". It is watered thoroughly once every three days in spring and autumn, and sprayed in the morning and evening in summer. It is recommended to use red pottery pots for potted plants, combined with a substrate with perlite accounting for 30%, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of root rot. Traditional application of new interpretation of natural dyeing techniques petals are rich in lyna, which can be mixed with alum to make a safe and harmless hair dye. Fresh petals are crushed and applied to nails. After 3 hours of penetration, they can form a lasting orange-red color. This traditional manicure method is still popular in ethnic minority areas in Yunnan. Exploring the medicinal value "Southern Yunnan Materia Medica" records that the whole grass can be used as medicine, and modern pharmacology has confirmed that the flavonoids it contains have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, it should be noted that pregnant women should not use it, and oral administration must be guided by a professional doctor.

From courtyard decoration to life applications, impatiens interpret natural wisdom with its unique biological characteristics. This plant that "explodes" and spreads seeds not only carries the warning slogan of "Don't touch me", but also contains practical value waiting to be discovered. The next time you meet you, stop and observe the beauty of its exquisite structure.