Balsam - Useful Properties And Use Of Balsam, Balsam Care, Balsam Flowers. Forest Balsam, Indoor, New Guinea

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Balsam

Useful properties and use of balsam, balsam care

Botanical characteristics of balsam

Balsam belongs to the balsam family. Translated from Latin, "balsam" means "impatient". The name of balsam is associated with the peculiarity of its fruits, the slightest touch of which (in a mature state) causes them to crack, as a result of which the seeds fly away to a long distance. Balsam, depending on the species, belongs to annuals or perennials.

Balsam is characterized by bushy, fleshy, juicy stems. Leaves dentate or whole, lanceolate, without stipules, whorled or opposite arrangement on the stem. The color is green, various shades. Flowers of irregular shape, simple or double, there are single types of balsam flowers and collected in loose inflorescences. Flowers differ in color palette: depending on the type, they can be white, red, yellow or two-color, single.

The fruit of the plant is a multi-seeded capsule. The balsam genus includes about 400 species of herbaceous plants. They grow, as a rule, in the countries of Africa and Asia, prefer tropical and subtropical climates.

Useful properties of balsam

Balsam is mostly used as an ornamental plant, but in folk medicine it is also used for medicinal purposes. To date, the chemical composition of balsam has not been sufficiently studied, it can be said with confidence that this plant is poisonous and during the flowering period a large amount of ascorbic acid is produced in its composition.

Balsam application

Balsam is a beautiful plant widely used in floriculture. Its flowering period is quite long (it blooms from July until the first frost), for which in England the plant was called Busy Lizzie - "zealous Lisa". For its beauty and expressiveness, the Austrians called the balsam "Beautiful wreath". This name is a comparison of a plant with a beautiful girl.

Today balsam is grown for personal enjoyment in private as well as for industrial purposes. Commercial figures take up its cultivation in an effort to use the plants as decorative decorations for balcony boxes, hanging planters, terraces, and outdoor cafes.

Despite the poorly studied composition of balsam, there are frequent cases of its use as a medicinal plant by folk healers of the Caucasus, Asia, Siberia and the Urals. Infusions and decoctions prepared on its basis are recommended by healers in the presence of kidney stones and bladder stones. Balsam is an effective treatment for ulcers, wounds and hemorrhoids using fresh plant leaves.

Balsam is prescribed in the form of decoctions (external use in the form of baths) for rheumatism. The recipe for the infusion: take 1 teaspoon of balsam herb and a glass of boiling water, pour the raw materials and leave for 20 minutes. Reception scheme: 1 (rarely 2) tablespoons per day. Do not take more than the recommended dose: overdose causes vomiting.

Balsam care

Wanting to achieve a beautiful flowering of balsam, it should be borne in mind that the plant does not like direct sunlight, but at the same time requires light for at least several hours a day. In the warm season, it is advisable to take it out into the open air, while avoiding direct sunlight and precipitation. The best temperature for growing is 20–22 ° C, in winter it should not be lower than 15 ° C. Cooling should be avoided.

Caring for balsam requires proper watering. In spring, summer and in the first half of autumn, watering should be abundant and regular; in summer, in the hottest weather, daily watering is allowed. In winter, the amount of water for irrigation can be significantly reduced in order to avoid drying out of the ground and stagnant water in the sump. Balsam loves spraying, which is recommended at temperatures above 20 ° C. If the required moisture is not maintained, the leaves of the plant may fall off.

From May to September, balsam should be fertilized, maintaining an interval between dressings of 15 days. When buying a plant, it is immediately planted in a cramped pot, trying to stimulate flowering. It should be noted that after two years the plant ceases to be attractive from a decorative point of view and needs to be renewed.

It is important to monitor the absence of pests affecting the balsam. The most dangerous of the pests for this plant is the spider mite, which populates in internodes on the stems, whiteflies and aphids, which settle on the plant in whole colonies. To combat pests, it is recommended to wipe the entire flower with a soapy sponge, then rinse under a warm shower. If the lesion is severe, the plant must be sprayed with 0.15% actellik solution (1-2 ml per liter of water).

Balsam flowers

Balsam species introduced into indoor culture are valued for the attractiveness of their flowers. Some of the brightest representatives of indoor species are Holst's balsam (Impatiens holstii) and indoor balsam, or sultanovidny (Impatiens sultanii). These plants have a long flowering period, their height ranges from 30 to 60 cm.

Flowers differ in color palette. You can find representatives with red, purple-pink flowers, monochromatic and multi-colored colors. It is interesting that in one group there are buds with various degrees of development: flowers that have not yet blossomed, blossoming or wilting. Hybrids of these species, which are characterized by carmine, red or purple-pink tones, have gained high popularity today.

Balsam seeds

Balsam seeds are round brown-brown balls, the formation of which occurs on the 25-30th day after the beginning of flowering of the plant. The seeds can retain their viability for up to eight years. Balsam seeds are harvested when the capsule has reached the stage of whitening, however, it is worth remembering that the collection must be done very carefully, since it is known that the capsules crack easily from any touch.

When propagating balsam by seeds, it is important to remember that this is a heat-loving plant and it is advisable to plant it in open ground with the onset of warmth, that is, somewhere in June. Seedlings are prepared in advance (from March), for which the seeds are sown in special boxes. If the seedlings are planned to be grown in a greenhouse, its preparation can be started in April-May.

For germination of seeds, it is important to observe temperature conditions: 20–25 ° С. Seeds are planted shallowly, to a depth of about 0.7 cm, after which the soil should be slightly watered and covered with cellophane or glass. Seeds sprout 8-10 days after sowing.

Growing balsam

Balsam propagation occurs in two ways: by seeds and cuttings. For planting in open ground, the first option will be optimal, involving reproduction using seeds. Seed growing requires preliminary preparation of seedlings. When balsam is propagated by seeds, it is imperative to wait for the onset of heat, since balsam does not tolerate cold and its seeds will not sprout if the temperature is less than 20-25 ° С.

Seedlings are prepared in advance. If the balsam is planned to be planted on an open surface, then the preparation of seedlings should be started from February-March, for this the seeds are sown in boxes. Seeds are planted shallowly, about 0.7 cm, after which you need to water the soil a little and cover with cellophane or glass in order to maintain the required moisture level. Periodically cellophane (glass) should be removed in order to ventilate the seedlings.

If the balsam is grown in a greenhouse, then the preparation of seedlings can be started later, in April-May. For germination of seeds it is necessary to observe temperature conditions - 20-25 ° С. Seeds sprout 8-10 days after sowing. As soon as the shoots appear (they should have one leaf each), they are transplanted into pots, each seedling separately. Here they will grow until they are transplanted into open ground.

For planting balsam in the soil, pits are prepared, maintaining a distance between seedlings of 20-25 cm; fertile soil and compost should be mixed in these intervals of the earth. Before planting, the seedlings, while still in pots, are thoroughly watered, then removed from the container and planted in the ground. The plants are covered with earth and watered.

Balsam leaves

The leaves of balsam, depending on the type of plant, reach a length of 8–12 cm. They are oval or lanceolate, serrated, the color of the leaves is green or purple-bronze. In balsam hybrids - for example, in New Guinea - the leaves are variegated.

Fresh chopped balsam leaves are used in folk medicine. Since they have anti-inflammatory effects, they are recommended to be applied to hemorrhoids, wounds and ulcers.

Balsam varieties

The genus of balsam is incredibly large, it has about 400 species, but there are its brightest representatives, which are cultivated as decorative, cultivated and medicinal plants.

One of the most common is Waller's balsam, the second name of which is Waller's balsam. It is worth noting that today there are many varieties of Waller's balsam, which are combined in a series for the purpose of classification. One series can contain about 20 plant varieties with different colors. The flowers of Waller's balsam are double, in structure they are similar to roses, but much smaller than them. Double-colored series of colors are common.

The following series of Waller's balsam are distinguished.

The Accent F1 series are compact plants, the height of which ranges from 15 to 25 cm. The flowers are large, the colors are varied. This series includes 18 varieties. Tempo F1 series: the height of these plants is from 20 to 25 cm. The series includes two varieties - Peach Butterfly, which is characterized by apricot color of petals and a beautiful orange eye, and Peach Butterfly (pink color, raspberry eye).

Series Stardust F1 Mixed: height from 15 to 25 cm. The color of the petals stands out brightly among congeners - they seem to be powdered in the middle; the edging is wide, in bright shades - dark pink and orange.

Bruno F1 series: height reaches 30 cm. Flowers are large, up to 6 cm in diameter, have a purple color, red, white, lilac with pink tint.

Fiesta F1 series: flowers in this series are double. Height is about 20-25 cm, rich bloom, flowers are very similar to roses.

Firefly F1 Series: Height approx. 25 cm. Includes ten varieties, characterized by intense flowering. Flowers can be bright and pastel colors, lilac, pink and orange prevail.

Stardust and Frosty series: these series are very similar, they have a common characteristic - the presence of a white spot inside the flower. The plant is very expressive.

Symphony series - early flowering varieties. Height is about 20 cm, flowers are large, expressive, different colors.

The Super Elfin series includes 13 varieties with different petal colors.

The Candy series contains 17 varieties, the flowers of this series are distinguished by their simplicity.

Fanciful Tropical series: the flowers of these plants are semi-double, they are distinguished by bright colors of flowers, all kinds of shades.

The Duet, Rosette, Carousel, Rose Parade series are also distinguished, in which the flowers are distinguished by variegated forms and beautiful double flowers of various colors.

The next known variety is garden balsam, which is widely used in gardens, flower beds and other places. This variety is native to southern China, India and Malaysia. Garden balsam is an annual plant, its height is up to 70 cm, it is distinguished by branched stems, large, petiolate, alternate leaves. The flowers of garden balsam are simple or double, the color is characterized by a variety of colors. Flowering begins in June and continues until frost.

Balsam Balfour. This variety is unpretentious, it is permissible to grow it in various conditions and containers. Under the condition of cultivation, the plant height can reach one meter. This variety is characterized by small flowers, painted in beautiful, bright colors. The cultivar is attractive to insects who want to enjoy the taste of its nectar. A native of the Balfour balsam of the Himalayas, the plant loves warmth and abundant watering.

Iron-bearing balsam. This species is native to the Himalayas and East Indies. It is widely used as hedges, is planted in groups on lawns, and is used to decorate fences. The plant is expressive and effective, attracts a large number of insects, but has a drawback - it often turns into a weed.

The most famous varieties of balsam also include forest balsam, red balsam, light balsam, Kandy balsam, New Guinea hybrids, Sultan balsam, orchid balsam, room balsam, terry balsam and ostrovsky balsam. Each of the varieties has its own specifics, they are united by their special beauty and expressiveness of flowers.

Forest balsam

Forest balsam is an annual herb, belongs to the balsam family, reaches 1 m in height. The leaves of the plant are oblong-ovate, their edges are large-toothed, located on short petioles. The flowers are irregular, yellow, collected in inflorescences. The fruits are oblong-shaped capsules, when fully ripe, they open at the slightest touch, scattering seeds.

Flowering begins in late June and lasts until September. The plant is poisonous. A distinctive characteristic of forest balsam is the possibility of its use in medicine. Its composition has been little studied to date, but it is known that during the flowering period, it contains a high percentage of ascorbic acid. The plant is used to prepare infusions, which are recommended for a number of diseases.

Infusions are effective for stones in the bladder and kidneys, for dropsy. The remedy is also used for external hemorrhoids (lumps), for rheumatism, as an effective means for disinfecting wounds. In the infusion, a minimum amount of the plant is used, since due to its toxicity, it can cause vomiting.

Balsam red

Red balsam belongs to the genus Balsamicaceae, a plant native to East Africa. Its stems are very fragile and juicy, juice flows from the slightest break. The leaves of red balsam are fleshy and ovoid. The plant loves moisture, with a lack of it, its leaves quickly sag. The flowers in the axils of the leaves are characterized by a red color, they have a long curved spur, which contains nectar.

Flowering begins in June and continues until the first frost. Red balsam loves warmth and does not tolerate frost well. The ideal temperature conditions for it are 20-25 ° C. In winter, keep the plant in a cool place, the temperature of which is 15 ° C. If the temperature is below the specified one, the leaves will fall off, if it is higher, aphids may form and the plant will have to be processed.

Balsam red is attractive for connoisseurs of indoor plants. Its flowering is very expressive, and most importantly, the flower does not require special care. In the summer, it should be watered frequently and abundantly (3 times a week, on hot days you can water it daily), fertilized with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (nitrogen fertilizers are unacceptable). During the growing season, the shoots are pinched up to two times for the purpose of branching. In winter, watering of balsam is reduced.

Reproduction of red balsam occurs by cuttings, for this the plant must reach the age of three years. 3-4 cuttings are planted in one pot.

Balsam light

Balsam is a luxurious flower with many names. One of the most beautiful is the balsam light. There is an interesting legend about this flower, which tells about a girl who is waiting for her boyfriend from the battle. Before leaving, he vowed to return to her and asked the girl to shine a red light in the window of her house, he wanted to see its radiance and to know that this light would beckon him back. Unfortunately, the bright light did not help the brave warrior and he fell in a bloody battle.

Despite the sad news, the girl continued to wait, her light, eyes and heart burned with hope for the return of her beloved. After a long period of time, the girl grew old and died. Immediately after her death, the light turned into an amazingly beautiful plant, the flowers of which continued to glow.

Today balsam light is found in many homes. It is a herbaceous plant, the height of which ranges from 30 to 50 cm. The stem of the plant is fragile and juicy. At the slightest touch, juice begins to flow out. The leaves are alternate, wrinkled, their color is green, sometimes reddish. The edges of the leaf blade are serrated. The flowers are large enough, solitary, and are characterized by curved spurs 4–5 cm long.

Balsam is absolutely unpretentious in care. It should be borne in mind that he does not like direct sunlight and strong frosts. The optimum temperature for his life is 18–20 ° С, in winter - 15–20 ° С. Requires abundant watering in the spring and summer.

Sultan's balsam

Sultan balsam (other names - touch-me-not, room, light) comes from Africa. It is characterized by a brittle stem of a translucent or pale pink color (sometimes red), with a break from which juice flows out. Plant height ranges from 30 to 50 cm. Balsam leaves are opposite, spreading, purple or green in color. The edges of the leaf plate are finely toothed.

The flowers of the Sultan's balsam are single, numerous, they are quite large (about four cm in diameter), located on a short pedicel. The color of the flowers is bright pink. Balsam loves warmth, light and moisture. Well, young plants bloom richly, old ones look unattractive. From a lack of light, heat or moisture, balsam, as a rule, throws off the leaves.

For propagation, it is advisable to use apical cuttings 3 cm long, and not seeds. When planted with seeds, the plant may lose its attractiveness. Cuttings take root quickly, they are not finicky at all. It is recommended to transplant in small containers, due to which the flowers bloom violently.

Orchid balsam

Orchid balsam has a dark pink brittle stem. Its leaves are velvety, dark green, with dark pink or red veins running along the entire length of the leaf. The flowers are in the form of a small shoe, white with burgundy and yellow-orange dots. Balsam loves warmth, light and moisture. Unpretentious care. Features of orchid balsam in comparison with other representatives of the balsam genus - it is not damaged by a spider mite.

Orchid balm is often confused with representatives of Waller's balsams; it is worth noting that, unlike Waller's varieties, the orchid species grows more slowly. Orchid balsam looks spectacular at any time of the year thanks to its luxurious foliage, even when not blooming.

Balsam room

Indoor balsam is one of the most popular indoor plants. It is a beautiful bush up to 60 cm high. The stems are brittle, juicy, at the slightest touch they begin to secrete juice. The foliage is bright. The flowers are expressive, large, double or simple. The color of the petals is pink, red, white. Today there are a large number of hybrids of this species, which are characterized by variegated foliage.

Balsam is not picky about care, however, in order to achieve rich flowering and healthy plant growth, it is important to adhere to a number of simple rules. The first thing to remember is that balsam loves warmth. It can even cope with the heat provided it is watered abundantly, but it is better to protect it from direct sunlight. In winter, the temperature should be around 15 ° C.

The second important condition is humidity. No wonder indoor balsam is popularly called "Vanka wet". The flower really loves moisture, its stem and leaves are saturated with it. One of the main features of balsam, as you know, is the release on its stems, as well as on the edges of the leaves of a liquid resembling crystals. Thus, the plant gets rid of excess liquid. With insufficient watering, the leaves will begin to die and fall off. Overfilling can also lead to balsam disease.

Balsam has a long flowering period. Under favorable conditions, it will bloom from spring to the onset of the first frost. Moreover, after a certain rest, balsam can bloom again, for example, in winter. Indoor balsam grows very quickly, however, like most representatives of its kind, after two, maximum three years, the flower loses its attractiveness.

If the rules for caring for balsam are not followed, it becomes easy prey for pests, including aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. To combat pests, it is important to process the plant in time, using laundry soap for washing, and for subsequent processing - "Actellik" or "Fitoverm".

Terry balsam

Terry balsam is an annual branched plant. This species, like most of its relatives, loves light, warmth and moisture. He does not tolerate direct sunlight and frost. Looks great in flowerpots and containers. Its flowers are double, up to three cm in diameter, located in the axils of the leaves, the color of the petals is pink, red, lilac. Used to decorate balconies, flower beds, etc.

New Guinea balsam

Balsam New Guinea is a hybrid balsam, the cultivation of which began in 1972. Plant height - from 20 to 30 cm. The native land of this species is West Africa. The characteristic difference of New Guinea balsamines from their congeners is the stem, which is much stronger than that of other species; in fleshy leaves and flowers; in a variety of shades.

In addition, these varieties have a more compact bush, they are very hardy and tend to bloom constantly. The minimum temperature in winter for plant life is + 10 ° С. New Guinea Balsam loves moisture, but it should not be poured. In summer, it is recommended to water often and little by little, but in winter it is enough to water once every 15 days.

Balsam contraindications

Forest balsam is poisonous, so it is taken in minimal doses on the recommendation of a doctor. Use during pregnancy is unacceptable.

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Author of the article: Alexey Kuzmin, expert agronomist, specially for the website ayzdorov.ru