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Impatiens spp: The proper grow and care guide for the Impatiens flower

Impatiens flowers are popular annual flowering plants that are used in private gardens and most indoor spaces as stunning ornamental plants. 

Impatiens Spp

Native to North American regions, the Impatiens plant is a member of the Balsaminaceae family and is known for its dark green foliage that produces bright-colored blooms with a variety of colors that can range from pink to white, to yellow, to red to purple.

It is also used as a herbal plant in treating skin rashes that might be caused by insect bites, bee stings, or rashes from contact with a poison ivy plant. 

Botanical NameImpatiens Spp
Common NamesTouch-me-not, busy lizzy
OriginNorth America
FamilyBalsaminaceae
Plant TypePerennial flowering plant(can be grown as an annual plant)
Full SizeFrom 6 inches to 36 inches tall, from 1 foot to 3 feet wide
Sun ExposureRanges from part to full shade
Soil TypeWell-draining, rich soil that is a little acidic
ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets

Impatiens Varieties

Impatiens is a large genus with the total number of varieties reaching 1000, this includes standard impatiens plants and hybrid cultivars. Some of the popular varieties are;

  • Impatiens ‘beacon’ Valleriana
  • Impatiens ‘bounce’ series
  • Impatiens ’Imara XDR’ Valleriana
  • Impatiens “sunpatiens’ series

 How To Care For Impatiens flowers

The impatiens plant is a low-maintenance plant and meeting its basic requirements such as lighting, proper watering, adequate soil type, and temperature should be enough to ensure it flourishes.

Impatiens Light Requirement 

The impatiens plant is a shade plant that does well when grown in areas of full shade as they can produce gorgeous blooms with little sunlight. 

Impatiens Light Requirement 
All About Gardening

However, with a proper watering schedule, you can also enjoy growing impatiens in areas with bright but indirect sunlight.

Intense, direct sunlight on the impatiens plant can cause more harm than good as it can scorch the plant’s delicate leaves and cause them to wilt.

When growing impatiens outdoors or in a garden, you should pick an area of full or at least partial shade. The impatiens plant does not grow tall so you won’t have to worry about prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.     

Impatiens Watering Requirement 

Adequate water is needed for the Impatiens plant to flourish. Start watering after planting with at least 2 inches of dechlorinated, room temperature water once a week.

You should increase the amount of water used to 4 inches of water every week during hot spells or heat seasons. 

The idea behind watering your impatiens is, that the hotter the period, the more water the exotic plant would need. On some very hot days, watering Impatiens every day would be required. 

Impatiens Soil Requirement

Although they are water-loving plants,  try as much as possible to avoid soggy soil, as excessive exposure to soggy soil could lead to root rot. 

Aim for soil with good water-draining abilities, when creating a healthy soil mix for the Impatiens spp. 

A healthy soil mix would include proper potting soil, one part peat moss, some organic compost to provide nutrients, and a little mulch. 

The soil pH level should be a little acidic, so a range between 6.0 to 6.5 should be perfect for  Impatiens plants.

Impatiens Humidity and Temperature Requirements

Impatiens prefer a warm temperature with moderate humidity to thrive as they are sensitive in areas of excess heat or excess cold.

When growing Impatiens indoors, you should aim for a temperature level that ranges between 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Impatiens Fertilizer Requirement

Impatiens Fertilizer Requirement
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The impatiens flower needs regular fertilizer application for proper growth, so apply fertilizer once every 2 weeks during its growing season.

When fertilizing, use a water-soluble fertilizer with half its initial strength or use a slow-release fertilizer. Either way, it should be used in moderation.

Impatiens Propagation Requirement  

Propagating the Impatiens flower can be done in two ways;

  • Seed Propagation
  • Stem Cuttings.

Propagating the Impatiens flower through stem cuttings is a lot easier than through seeds.

Impatiens Pruning Requirement

Pruning Impatiens is needed to ensure the plant thrives and encourages the growth of new flowers. For this reason, it is recommended you prune the plant once a month. Always sterilize your pruning tools before pruning to avoid infections.

Common Health Problems of Impatiens flowers

  • Fungi blights
  • Root rots
  • Aphids
  • Scales
  • Mealy bugs
  • Whiteflies
  • Spider mites
  • Wilting leaves 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can impatiens take full sun?

No, full or direct sunlight is harmful to the Impatiens plant as it could scorch the plant’s leaves.

Do you deadhead impatiens?

No, you do not need to deadhead an Impatiens plant as they bloom well on their own.

What do impatiens look like?

Impatiens are gorgeous plants that are known for their colorful blooms which can range from blue to red to purple.

How far apart should impatiens be planted?

When growing Impatiens plants in groups give a spacing of 10 inches to 12 inches apart.

Are impatiens perennials or annuals?

Impatiens are known annuals, however, they are grown as annuals in areas of shade.