Impatiens acaulis (Rock balsam) – Flowering plants

Impatiens acaulis (Rock balsam) is a small perennial stemless herb. It has oblong, base rounded, irregularly toothed leaves. The leaves vary in shape and size. It produces gorgeous pink flowers that occur in racemes 3-10 cm long. The flower’s color varies from a delicate light pink to deep pink. The petals are white near the base. The usual balsam “spur” is slender, long, and curved. Rock balsam commonly found gregariously growing on wet surfaces of rocks inside forests in the Western Ghats.

Scientific classification

Family: Balsaminaceae
Genus: Impatiens
Species: I. acaulis
Scientific Name: Impatiens acaulis
Common Names: Rock balsam, Stemless balsam.

How to grow and care for Impatiens acaulis (Rock balsam)

Light

It thrives best in bright sunlight to partial shade for healthy growth. In an area with very hot summers, plant them in partial shade, or shade them from the afternoon sun. An excessive amount of sun may cause browning of foliage, though a lot of shade may make the balsam plant leggy and flowerless.

Soil

Impatiens acaulis grows well in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained, peat moss-based potting mix.

Water

Water regularly, Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Flowering plants are thirsty, and they dry out quickly in containers, so check them often. Impatiens will quickly wilt if they are allowed to dry out.

Temperature

Impatiens acaulis prefers average room temperatures 60°F – 75°F / 16°C – 24°C. In winter do not let the temperature fall below 13°C (55°F).

Fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks from spring through fall with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation:

Impatiens acaulis can be easily propagated by seed. Sow impatiens seeds in spring or early summer. Germination takes 10 to 20 days at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pests and Diseases:

Impatiens are susceptible to Spider mites, flower thrips, root-knot nematode, whiteflies, and aphids, especially under glass. Caterpillars outdoors. Gray mold, impatiens necrotic spot virus, fungal leaf spots, Rhizoctonia stem rot, Pseudomonas leaf spot, and Verticillium Wilt. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.