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Impatiens campanulata

Impatiens campanulata

Planting the tuber

 


When to plant --
Please plant it the day it arrives.

Getting started -- Rinse the tuber off with water before planting it.  Use a pot at least 2 inches (5 cm) tall and wide.

 For soil, use a well draining mix high in organic matter.  A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  An alternate mix is 1 part perlite to 1 part coir fiber, with some all-purpose fertilizer mixed in.

 Fill the pot with soil, place the tuber on the surface, and bury it so the top of the tuber is at the soil surface and partly exposed.  Add water until the soil is evenly moist (but not fully saturated).

 Until it sprouts, ensure that the surface soil stays moist.  If you enclose it a plastic dome or bag to maintain moisture, leave it open a slightly to allow some fresh air in. 

 Keep the pot between 65 to 78 degrees F (18-26°C).  Avoid letting them get warmer than this, but a little cooler at night is ok.  I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the pot.

  Place the pot in a bright spot out of direct sun.  An LED or fluorescent lamp kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights").

 It should sprout within about 4-6 weeks, but allow up to 8 weeks.  Increase air ventilation after it sprouts.

Growing onward...

Lighting -- This Impatiens prefers bright shade, or filtered sunlight.  Avoid prolonged direct sun, unless it's early-morning sun.

Watering -- Aim to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Never let it dry out completely.  You may use a moisture meter probe to monitor the moisture levels down in the root zone.

Fertilizing -- Feed a week after it sprouts, and then about every 2 months.  Use an all-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients.

Transplanting -- Once your plant is 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) tall, you may gently transfer it to a larger pot. 

Climate -- Impatiens campanulata comes from the mountains of southern India, where temperatures are mild year-round and nights are cool.  I don't know its climate tolerances, but i suspect it might not thrive if temperatures regularly get above 85 degrees F (30 degrees C) and nights are warm (above 65 F / 18 C).  Outdoors, protect it from freezing temperatures.

 Over about 40-45% humidity is best.  If it seems to suffer from low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier, sold at home improvement stores and some thrift shops.

 Pests to watch for -- Watch for pests that might affect your other plants.  Start with insecticidal soap spray before using stronger remedies.

Have fun growing it!

- Jeff

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