New Guinea impatiens
impatiens hawkeri
Also known as: ["Tropical impatiens","Poor man's orchid"]
Overview
A popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant, showy flowers and tolerance to partial shade.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus: | Impatiens |
| Botanical Name: | Impatiens hawkeri |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, indirect light location or shaded outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat or coco coir for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed to remove dead or leggy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; adjust light levels gradually if moving plant.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to new light conditions slowly over a week; protect from intense midday sun; place in east or north-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Check drainage regularly; avoid compacted soil; refresh top layer annually.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; monitor with a thermometer.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer, reducing frequency in winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity around cuttings; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Regular light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; cut just above a node; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid wetting leaves excessively to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure container has drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or yellowing leaves; stunted growth; buds failing to open.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move plant to a warmer location; use a space heater if necessary; insulate pots with bubble wrap in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; increased water loss through transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with a pebble tray or mister; water more frequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicImpatiens hawkeri is slightly toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicImpatiens hawkeri is slightly toxic to dogs. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicImpatiens hawkeri, commonly known as New Guinea impatiens, is considered slightly toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of certain irritant compounds. The effects are generally not severe but can cause temporary distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water New Guinea impatiens?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the plant does not sit in water to prevent root rot.
Q: Do New Guinea impatiens need full sun?
A: They prefer partial shade to full shade, especially in warmer climates, to avoid scorching their leaves.
Q: Are New Guinea impatiens deer resistant?
A: They are not particularly deer resistant and may be browsed if other food sources are scarce.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Balsaminaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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