Balsam blossoms with white, pink, red flowers, but can acquire other shades. Flowers on long pedicels and slightly raised above the leaves, usually located one at a time, but can often and in small flowered inflorescences. In the people, balsam was called "flame" for the bright coloring of flowers, also popularly called "touchy", because when touched by the fruit, it cracked and scattered seeds.
Care of the plant
All kinds of balsam feel comfortable in a well-lit room, like scattered but intense light. In the hot time of the plant, it is better to lighten the plant slightly, since bright sun rays cause moisture to evaporate actively, so that the plant withers. Place the balsam should be on the western or eastern windows, if it is located on the south side, then in the period from 12 to 17 hours the plant needs to be pritenyat.
In the summer, it is recommended to take out the balm to fresh air, while protecting against direct sunlight and precipitation.
Also in summer, the plant balm can be planted in the open ground, but this procedure should be carried out no earlier than the beginning of summer. If planted earlier, it may not be able to acclimatize and die. Despite the fact that the plant quickly gets used to a new place, it is necessary to choose a semi-shady place for it. Balsam blooms from June to frost, that is, until September. Before the fall, you can dig a plant or prepare cuttings and root them.
In winter, this indoor plant needs additional lighting. Since this plant does not fall into a "winter hibernation", it can even bloom under certain conditions, but not all species can bloom in the winter. If the balsam is experiencing a deficit in lighting, then the blossom will be bad or not at all.
In spring and summer, the most suitable temperature for growing balsam is 20-25 degrees. The plant can tolerate even higher temperatures, but at the same time it should provide the necessary soil moisture and fresh air. In the cold season, it is desirable to lower the air temperature to 12-15 degrees, but not lower. If it is not possible to provide such conditions, then the plant needs to be given additional illumination. High temperature and poor lighting can lead to a depletion of the plant.
From spring to autumn, balsam needs regular abundant watering when the soil surface dries up. From autumn until the end of winter, it should be watered moderately a couple of days after the drying of the soil surface. To water balm it is necessary water of a room temperature, preliminary having allowed it to be settled. When watering, you must closely monitor the soil. If the soil is overdone, the buds can fall off, then the blossom will be rather sluggish. If the soil is too moist, the plant can begin to rot and hurt, special attention should be given in the winter.
Balsamin - a plant that is indifferent to the humidity of air, if the temperature does not exceed 22 degrees. If the temperature rises higher, then the plant should be sprayed, otherwise it will quickly lose moisture and dry up.
Fertilize balm should be from the beginning of spring and until autumn with complex top dressing once in 2 weeks. Also, the plant can be fed in winter, if it has blossomed. When buds are formed, after watering the plant you need to make a weak solution of mineral fertilizers.
With proper care, balsam can bloom throughout the year. Strangely enough, they bloom better in a cramped pot. You should not forget about the good lighting and warmth, otherwise there will be few colors.
In spring, the balsam is cut approximately half the length of the shoot. When the plant starts to grow, and the shoot becomes the size you need, you can pinch its apex - this will stimulate the appearance of fresh shoots, as well as its flowering. It should be remembered that the more shoots, the better the plant will bloom. During the year, the plant can also cut weak or thickening branches.
Plant transplantation
Transplantation of balsam is usually carried out in the spring, but as necessary, it is possible to carry out the transshipment procedure in the summer. But do not forget that the plant blooms better when it is a little cramped in the pot. When transplanting, already grown shoots should be cut to activate the growth of young. Young plants are recommended to be transplanted every year, but it is better not to transplant, but to transship, without damaging the earth clod. Adult plants are considered to be up to three years old, they are transplanted or refreshed by rooting cuttings. Some experts recommend not to transplant adult plants, but immediately update.
Balsamans are not moody with respect to the soil, they can normally grow in any nutrient soil. Typically, a mixture of leaf, humus and turf earth and sand, all in equal proportions. The root system of balsam is quite powerful, it needs good drainage, so pots for its maintenance should be chosen in any shape, but not very flat and not very low.
The balsamin is propagated by seeds or by rooting the apical cuttings.