This handsome man with the noble name Balzamin appeared in Europe in the XIV century and arrived from the tropics. Since then, he has rightfully occupied a worthy place both on window sills and balconies, as well as on flowerbeds or in the garden.

Description and types of flower

This flower belongs to undersized and does not grow to more than 50 cm. Indoors, it reaches 30–40 cm. The stalk of the balsam is straight and strong, there are many twigs with narrow or oval leaves on it, in the sinuses of which flowers appear. Plants are annual and perennial, with flowers of the most varied colors: white, pink, yellow, blue. For bright colors, the plant has the popular name “light”, and because after watering drops of water appear on the leaves, it is called “Vanka wet”. After flowering, a fluffy box appears in the place of the flower, in which the seeds ripen.

When can a plant be cut?

Cutting the “light” is not at all difficult and you can do it at any time of the year. But if you want to receive flowering young plants in the summer, then it is better to carry out the procedure in March. In spring, daylight hours increase, so the chances of growing healthy plants are much greater.

Did you know? It is believed that balsam flowers affect an individual: white stimulates spirituality, pink arouses emotionality, and orange supports sexuality.

Methods of reproduction at home

In addition to cuttings, “Vanka wet” can be perfectly propagated by seeds and layering. Street instances themselves take care of procreation, firing seeds from boxes. From the seeds that survived in the winter, strong and hardened seedlings grow the next year. At home, seeds can be sown in a special container.

Cuttings technology

The cuttings method makes it possible to preserve the signs of the mother in the young plant completely. Even a beginner grower can do this, since balsam is unpretentious.

Important! The flower needs enough moisture, and it is easy to determine its lack by it. With a lack of watering, its leaves become soft and lifeless. In spring and summer, the plant is watered every day with warm water.

Preparatory moments

First you need to choose a healthy and even plant from which the stalk will be taken. Prepare in advance the soil, the container for planting, water and a plastic large glass to cover the young. And also to free the brightest place on the windowsill and take care of its protection from direct sunlight.

Rooting in water

From the selected balsam, the top is cut to 10 cm long. On it, all the flowers break off so that they do not take power, and the lower leaves to prevent decay. Layers immersed in water are put for 2 weeks in a comfortable place prepared in advance. During this time, he will have roots. Now the stalk can be planted in the soil, which is prepared from humus, compost and turf.

Landing

Light soil is required for planting. It is better to mix 2 parts of perlite and one each of vermiculite and peat. A twig should have 2-3 nodules. It is buried in the ground by a third. After planting, the plant must be watered and covered with a plastic glass or bottle to maintain a moist and warm environment. If everything is done correctly, then the roots sprout after 7 days.

Care after cuttings

To plant a stalk and wait for the first roots is half the battle. It is more difficult to keep a young plant and grow a beautiful flower from it. To do this, you must follow a number of rules for caring for him.

Suitable microclimate

Tanks with young animals are placed in a warm and bright place, preferably on the east side. In the morning the rays of the sun are not so scorching, and there will be enough light. If the sun shines all day, then you need a little shade. Comfortable temperature for young plants is about +22 ° С. Balmamin loves moisture, and when rooting, this should be especially monitored. From above, the soil should always be moist and loose. The longer the daylight hours, the better for young seedlings. If the cuttings are planted in autumn or winter, then they need to be lightened, otherwise rooting will be slow, and the plants will grow weak.

Did you know? The seed balsam balsamins burst at the slightest touch. For this, he received another name - "touchy."

Watering and feeding

The light is watered, like all indoor flowers, with warm, settled water. You can do this both on the pallet and on top. After the flower began and began to grow, you can feed it with special fertilizer for seedlings. Balsam blooms since May all summer, and during this period it needs additional nutrition, so complex fertilizer in small quantities will only benefit him. Three top dressings per season will be enough.

Branch formation and pruning

Street flowers do not need additional bush formation. They grow even and not higher than 50 cm. But in the room, the plant must be correctly cut to make it look neat. So that the stem is not one-sided, the flowerpots periodically turn, as the flower constantly stretches to the light.

Possible difficulties

Balsam, like any houseplant, is susceptible to a number of diseases. Most often, he suffers from spider mites and aphids. The reason for their appearance is dry air, especially during the heating period. If there is a humidifier, then this problem does not threaten you. If not, you can put water containers on the window or hang batteries with wet towels at night. This will be useful not only to green pets, but also to you. If pest damage has already occurred, then diseased plants need to be processed and quarantined.

Important! Balsamines can exchange chromosomes through the roots, so if you plant two different flowers in one pot, you can get a completely new look. Just a godsend for an amateur breeder.

Waterlogging at a cool temperature also has a detrimental effect on plants. The roots rot, which leads to the death of the flower. If such a problem is found, then the roots must be cleaned of soil, removed damaged, let the healthy dry and sprinkle them with crushed activated charcoal or wood ash. Then plant the flower in a new pot and put in a warm, bright place.

If you have not made friends with this beautiful and unpretentious flower, then do it without fail. For care and attention, he will thank you with colorful blooms and will delight the eye all summer.