How to take care of balsam at home?
Balsam has long fascinated flower growers thanks to its abundant and lush flowering. The plant has more than 500 species, differing in the shape and color of the flowers, but they all have one common feature - the balsam is literally showered with many buds, which open and create a flowering cap.
It combines varieties and love of moisture - after watering, dew drops appear on the leaves, which are then slightly sugared. Because of this, the balsam is also called the Wet Vanka. Also, the flower is characterized by the fragility of the seed boxes. Ripe bolls burst even from the most gentle touch, so the plant was nicknamed Impatient.
Some balsam varieties grown as annuals in a flower bed, but basically the plant grows in pots as a perennial. If there is a desire and free time, potted crops can also be planted in a flower bed for the summer, but with the arrival of autumn they should be brought back into the room.
The flower itself is not very whimsical and, with proper care, will develop harmoniously and bloom profusely. How to care for balsam at home? Everything is very simple - for this you need:
- choose the right place with good lighting for the flower pot;
- monitor the temperature regime;
- maintain humidity;
- fertilize on time and, if necessary, transplant;
- provide protection against diseases and pests.
Correct location
The perfect place for balsam there will be any window sill that has partial shade. The flower feels good on the north side, but when grown on the southern windowsill, it must be protected from direct sunlight.
To form a lush bush and uniform flowering throughout the crown, the balsam pot must be turned towards the sun as the shoots are pulled out.
Temperature regime
A comfortable temperature for a flower is from 16 to 26 degrees Celsius, while it is important not to allow sudden changes in it. Balsam loves fresh air, so for the summer it is recommended to take the pot out to the street or to the balcony, and the rest of the time to ventilate the room, avoiding drafts.
Humidity and watering
Balsam is a very moisture-loving plant and in summer it needs almost daily watering. The plant responds well to spraying, but you need to make sure that the water does not get on the inflorescences, and after the procedure, let the leaves dry completely. With the arrival of winter, the amount of watering is reduced.
It is important not to allow the top layer of the soil to completely dry out, as well as stagnation of water in the pan - both the first and the second will lead to the death of the flower.
Transplanting and fertilizing balsam
In most cases, the balsam does not need to be transplanted; it is enough to simply cut off the elongated shoots in the spring. Trimmed cuttings from the tops can be rooted to grow new plants. Another flower is propagated using seeds.
A transplant is simply necessary in the case when the balsam does not bloom in a large flowerpot for a long time - then it is transplanted into a pot smaller in diameter, or 2-3 plants are planted together.
During the growth period (spring-autumn), the flower is fed with complex fertilizers once every two weeks. To stimulate abundant flowering and the formation of a bush, pinch young balsam - both central and lateral shoots. You also need to remove dry flowers and leaves. To increase resistance to diseases, balsam is sprayed with growth stimulants.