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Turquoise Puya

Impatiens laurentii

Here's another Impatiens that you won't find at your local nursery.  Impatiens laurentii is an attractive, rare species that is new to cultivation.  A native of Madagascar forests, it produces pink, orchid-shaped blossoms non-stop throughout the year.  Indoors, it is one of my easiest Impatiens, but i have no information on its climate tolerances outdoors.  I don't know anyone else offering fresh seeds.

Impatiens laurentii

Impatiens laurentii has an upright growth habit, growing from 1 to 3 feet tall (30-90 cm).  It is a short-lived perennial, blooming heavily the first year, followed by a decline in vigor.  It easily reproduces by seeds though, and seedlings can bloom at just a few months old!  The flowers appear in clusters near the top of the shoots, and are pink or magenta, with red veins at the center.  This is a true species, not a cultivated hybrid.  It probably can cross-breed with a few other Impatiens species to create new hybrids.

Impatiens laurentii

It grows well between 50 and 80 degrees F (10-27 degrees C).  I haven't tried it outside that temperature range.  It is possible that it will decline if temperatures regularly get over 85 degrees F (29 C) and nights are warm.  It probably can't survive frost, so it's best to grow it as an annual, saving the seeds each year.  It grows well indoors, and may even send seeds into other plants' pots.  Like most Impatiens, it prefers fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  It likes filtered sun or bright shade.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40-45% humidity is recommended.  In the right conditions, it is very easy to grow.

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Germination tips for this plant

 

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