Cultivation

Balsam Cuttings

Impatiens L.

A vegetative method of balsam propagation used to preserve varietal characteristics of hybrids, characterized by the rapid rooting of apical shoots in water or loose substrates.

In the reference 15 varieties crop Balsam, where this is mentioned in the description.

For balsam cuttings, apical shoots 8–12 cm long are used, with the cut recommended to be made directly below a node. The root system in this crop forms within 10–14 days in a bright and warm location. Balsam does not require the use of phytohormones and roots easily in water, sand, or peat pellets.

Due to the succulent structure of the shoots, cuttings are prone to rapid moisture loss; therefore, lower leaves are removed, and large leaf blades are partially shortened to reduce transpiration. Unlike many other plants, balsam does not require high-humidity conditions under plastic, as excess moisture and lack of ventilation can trigger rot in the succulent stems.

This method is particularly relevant for Impatiens walleriana and New Guinea hybrids, where cuttings are the primary way to maintain varietal purity, whereas Impatiens balsamina is more commonly propagated by seeds.

General information about the subject — on the page Cuttings propagation.

Sources8

Varieties of Balsam mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.