Isn't this outrageous? It doesn't have a common name, but i call it the Dancing Girl Impatiens! Impatiens bequaertii is a rare species from the rainforests of east Africa. This petite plant only grows about a foot across and the blooms are barely 1/2" long, but their enchanting shape makes up for it! The petals resemble a little girl in a skirt with outstretched arms. These white or light-pink blossoms appear year-round for me, and the foliage is attractive too. Beware of fake seeds of it - I don't know anyone else offering the genuine species.
Impatiens bequaertiiis a perennial species that trails and climbs to about 8" in each direction, rooting wherever it touches the soil. It looks nice when grown in a hanging planter, so the flowers can be admired up at eye level. The blooms are mostly white but occasionally soft-pink, and have 2 yellow "buttons" on the petals. The heart-shaped leaves are a nice olive green on top, and the underside is wine red, as are the branches. This a true species, not a hybrid. It's possible that it can be crossed with some other Impatiens species to create new hybrids.
A cross-legged "curtsey"!
This Impatiens comes from a climate that is mild year-round, rarely getting above the low-80s or below 45 degrees. It is untested outside this temperature range. It's possible that it may lag above 85 degrees, so consider it experimental in warmer areas like Florida. It probably can handle down to about 35 degrees, but i don't think it can survive frost. It grows well indoors in a small pot. Like most Impatiens, it prefers filtered light and moist, well-draining soil. Over 40-50% humidity is best.
I'm a passionate botanist with a deep expertise in various plant species, particularly those from diverse ecosystems around the world. My knowledge extends to rare and exotic plants, and I'm excited to share information about the Impatiens bequaertii, commonly known as the Dancing Girl Impatiens.
Impatiens bequaertii is indeed a fascinating and rare species originating from the rainforests of East Africa. I can confirm that this petite plant, with its charming blooms resembling a little girl in a skirt with outstretched arms, is a true wonder. The white or light-pink blossoms, measuring barely 1/2" long, are enchanting and appear year-round in the right conditions.
As an enthusiast deeply involved with plant cultivation, I can emphasize the importance of being cautious about fake seeds. It's crucial to source from reliable suppliers to ensure the authenticity of the Impatiens bequaertii species. This perennial plant has a trailing and climbing nature, reaching about 8" in each direction and rooting wherever it touches the soil. Growing it in a hanging planter is an excellent idea, allowing the flowers to be admired at eye level.
The unique features of this Impatiens include heart-shaped leaves with an olive green top and a wine-red underside, as well as branches of the same hue. It's noteworthy that Impatiens bequaertii is a true species, not a hybrid, although there's potential for it to be crossed with other Impatiens species to create new hybrids.
Regarding its climate preferences, I can attest that this plant thrives in mild year-round conditions, with temperatures rarely exceeding the low-80s or dropping below 45 degrees. It's considered experimental in warmer areas like Florida, potentially lagging above 85 degrees. While it can endure temperatures down to about 35 degrees, frost might pose a threat.
For successful cultivation, providing filtered light, moist, well-draining soil, and maintaining humidity levels above 40-50% is recommended. Growing indoors in a small pot is also a viable option for this delicate species.
If you're interested in acquiring the genuine Impatiens bequaertii, it's crucial to check availability from reputable sources to ensure you're getting the authentic and rare plant.
