Blushing Bride
Blushing Bride is a type of Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzies orTouch-me-nots. These are lovely plants that offer a great variety of colors, from bright whites to deep purples and pinks. The leaves are typically a medium shade of green and they grow low to the soil, making them well suited for growing in containers. Some varieties will grow to be slightly larger and can be used as a ground cover. Each plant can produce multiple flower heads and will look their best when blooming.
Blushing Bride prefers to be watered frequently and evenly. While you don’t want to drown the soil, it’s important to make sure that the soil never really dries out, otherwise the plant will start to droop and the flower buds may start to wilt. Instead, maintain a consistent amount of moisture by making sure that the soil always feels moist to the touch. Never leave the soil soggy or waterlogged.
Blushing Bride is a low light plant and prefers bright, filtered light but not direct sun. If placed in direct sun for too long, the leaves will start to turn yellow and get crisped. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, the growth will be stunted and the flower buds may fail to open. Depending on the type of window, you may need to move the plant away from the window to ensure it gets enough indirect light.
Blushing Bride prefer temperatures between 68°F and 75°F (20°C to 23°C). In cooler and cooler climates, the plants might enter a period of dormancy when temperatures dip below this range. In general, avoid placing the plant in direct drafts from a window or air conditioner as this will leave it susceptible to rot and disease.
Blushing Bride prefers to be in humid environments. Aim for 60% humidity or more, especially during the summer months. To increase the local humidity, try misting the leaves or placing the plant on a humidity tray. Do not over water, as this could cause root rot and fungal infections.
Blushing Bride prefers light and well-draining soil with an average amount of organic matter. Aim for a soil that is sandy and loamy but also contains some clay. When planting, add a few handfuls of compost to ensure that the plant gets enough nutrients. Avoid using soils with large chunks of bark or perlite as these may interfere with drainage.
To keep Blushing Bride in optimal health, it’s important to fertilize regularly. Aim for a balanced liquid fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen as this can overstimulate new growth. Fertilize every two weeks in the spring and summer, tapering off in the fall and winter. Try to avoid fertilizing during periods of dormancy.
Blushing Bride are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, mealybugs and scale. When inspecting the plant, keep an eye out for discolored or spotted leaves, webbing or honeydew. With all pest problems, it’s important to act quickly and treat the plant as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the best course of action is to use an insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do not overuse the product.
Blushing Bride should be repotted every two years or so to ensure that the soil remains fresh and nutrient-rich. A good indication that it’s time to repot is when you start to notice that the plant has outgrown its current pot or the roots are starting to show on the surface of the soil. Always avoid repotting Blushing Bride during the blooming period, as this can cause the flowers to wilt.
Blushing Bride generally does not require a lot of pruning and will respond best when pruned sparingly. If the stems become too leggy or woody, feel free to prune them back a bit. Although pruning is not necessary, it can help to shape the plant or keep it from getting too large. When pruning Blushing Bride, make sure to trim at an angle to encourage new growth and be sure to prune only healthy portions of the plant.
Mulching is not necessary but can help to provided additional insulation from the soil and also helps to control weed growth. Aim for coarse materials that are still light and avoid mulching with gravel, as this can be too heavy for the delicate roots. A good option is wood chips or shredded bark.
Blushing Bride can be propagated from cuttings and seeds. To propagate from cuttings, take a 3-4 inch stem and snip just below a node. Place the stem in a moist potting mix and keep in a warm, humid environment. Seed propagation is more difficult as not all seeds will germinate and it can take a while for them to sprout. Usually the seeds will take about a week to germinate and should be kept moist at all times.
If handled correctly, Blushing Bride will not require any additional support. But, if needed, you can provide additional support to the stems with bamboo skewers or plastic stakes. This might be necessary for taller varieties or if you’re growing the plants in a windy area.
Blushing Bride does not require a rest period and will continue blooming from spring to fall. During the winter months, they may stop flowering and enter a period of dormancy. During this time the stems may become woody and it’s important to provide less water and allow the plant to go almost dry. This will trigger new growth in the spring season.
Blushing Bride is not toxic to cats, dogs or people. However, as with any plant, it’s best to keep them out of the reach of pets.
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