Impatiens care guide
Impatiens walleriana
Also known as: Busy Lizzie
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Impatiens
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- A thirsty plant: water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in summer it wilts fast, so check morning and evening and keep water off the flowers.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- It flowers well in the cool; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Indoors over winter, water sparingly about two to three days after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Impatiens
Bright half shade is about right, and it flowers well with morning sun only or in a shady bed; midsummer sun scorches and wilts it, so in summer it generally sits on the shadier side.
Overwintering Impatiens
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Usually treated as an annual, but cut back in autumn and kept at a bright window above about 10°C it can sometimes overwinter; around 5°C is the limit, as a guide, and water sparingly.
Fertilizing and repotting Impatiens
Fertilizer
From May to October, slow-release fertilizer about every two months or liquid feed about every two weeks is the usual guide; dilute it in midsummer, and flowering drops off when it runs short.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Impatiens
- Repeated wilting from drought drops the lower leaves and weakens the plant.
- Midsummer sun scorches the leaves.
- Downy mildew in the humid rainy season strips the leaves.
Tips for growing Impatiens
- Pinching the young plant gives a full, even mound of flowers.
- Cutting the plant back by about half in July or August brings a fresh flush in autumn.
- Cut stems root in a glass of water, making it easy to multiply.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
