Small-flowered Touch-Me-Not

impatiens parviflora

Also known as: ["Small-flowered Balsam","Small-flowered Impatiens"]

Family: Balsaminaceae Genus: Impatiens Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous annual plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, known for its small, pale pink or white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Balsaminaceae
Genus: Impatiens
Botanical Name: Impatiens parviflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a cool, humid area
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor environments
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, or every 4–6 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor light; protect from direct midday sun; place in shaded areas in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon rays; provide dappled light in summer.

Watering

every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; adjust frequency based on season and weather.

Soil

moist, well-drained, organic-rich potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cooler conditions than many annuals.

Keep away from heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize lightly to avoid leggy growth; stop in late summer to prepare for dormancy; water before fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Keep humid and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F)

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or trim lightly to shape; deadhead regularly

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Use fresh potting mix; check for root bound; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid pooling; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water regularly during active growth, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to frost damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Protect from frost with a cover; move potted plants indoors; avoid placing near cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and sun exposure.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Impatiens parviflora can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogen infection, often leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Impatiens parviflora is typically caused by water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can result in cellular damage and reduced turgor pressure, ultimately affecting plant growth and survival.

Leaf spots on Impatiens parviflora are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant structure.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Impatiens parviflora is often associated with overwatering or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues, nutrient uptake disruption, and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may exhibit mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume Impatiens parviflora. The plant is not highly toxic to felines but can cause mild distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Impatiens parviflora. The plant is not considered highly toxic to canines but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if ingestion occurs. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Impatiens parviflora contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant is not highly toxic but can lead to discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Impatiens parviflora invasive?

A: Yes, it is considered invasive in many regions outside its native range.

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: No, it prefers partial shade or full shade.

Q: How can I control its spread in my garden?

A: Regularly remove seedlings and flowers before they set seed.

Quick Reference
Family: Balsaminaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 5–7 days during active
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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