Impatiens walleriana Plant Care: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Care Summary

To care for Impatiens walleriana, place it in a spot with indirect light, such as 2-3 feet from an east- or west-facing window, and maintain a temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Water your Impatiens walleriana every 7-10 days in the summer and every 14 days in the winter, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in medium humidity, making it a great choice for beginners. With proper care, Impatiens walleriana can grow up to 12-18 inches tall and produce a profusion of colorful flowers.

Overview

Impatiens walleriana, also known as Busy Lizzie, is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. Native to East Africa, this plant has become a popular houseplant due to its low-maintenance requirements and beautiful, delicate flowers. Impatiens walleriana is a relatively small plant, typically growing to be around 12-18 inches tall, with a spread of around 6-12 inches. Its leaves are a deep green color, and its flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple. The scientific name, Impatiens walleriana, is derived from the Latin word "impatiens," meaning "impatient," which refers to the plant's tendency to grow quickly and produce flowers in a short amount of time.

Impatiens walleriana is a popular choice for indoor gardens because it is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is also a great choice for beginners, as it can tolerate some neglect and is forgiving if the soil is not perfectly moist. In addition to its beautiful flowers, Impatiens walleriana is also known for its ability to purify the air, making it a great choice for indoor spaces. A 1989 NASA Clean Air Study found that Impatiens walleriana is effective at reducing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene in enclosed spaces.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Impatiens walleriana is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
• It is a great choice for beginners, as it can tolerate some neglect and is forgiving if the soil is not perfectly moist.
• The plant produces a profusion of colorful flowers, making it a great choice for indoor gardens.
• Impatiens walleriana is also known for its ability to purify the air, making it a great choice for indoor spaces.
• It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA, making it a great choice for pet owners.

Cons:

• Impatiens walleriana can be prone to overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
• It can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, and may not do well in very hot or cold conditions.
• The plant can be susceptible to pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can be difficult to get rid of.

Care at a Glance

Factor	Requirement	Pro Tip
Light	200-400 foot-candles	Place the plant 2-3 feet from an east- or west-facing window to provide the right amount of indirect light.
Water	every 7-10 days in summer, every 14 days in winter	Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, and water only when the soil feels dry.
Humidity	50-70%	Use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to maintain the right humidity level.
Temperature	65-80°F (18-27°C)	Keep the plant away from heating vents and cold windows to maintain a consistent temperature.
Soil	60% potting mix + 30% perlite + 10% orchid bark	Use a well-draining potting mix and add perlite and orchid bark to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizer	Balanced 10-10-10, monthly spring-summer	Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Toxicity	non-toxic to cats and dogs	Keep the plant out of reach of pets to avoid any potential problems.

Light: The Window Direction That Determines Impatiens walleriana's Fate

Impatiens walleriana prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate low light conditions. The ideal foot-candle range for optimal growth is 200-400 foot-candles, which can be achieved by placing the plant 2-3 feet from an east- or west-facing window. In the Northern Hemisphere, a north-facing window is also a good option, as it provides indirect light without the intense heat of a south-facing window. During the winter months, when the days are shorter and the light is less intense, the plant may require more frequent watering to compensate for the reduced light.

Watering: How to Water Impatiens walleriana Without Drowning It

To water Impatiens walleriana, use the following three-method soil moisture check:

1. Finger test: Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle to check the moisture level.
2. Pot weight: Check the weight of the pot before and after watering to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
3. Moisture meter: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of the soil.

Water the plant every 7-10 days in the summer and every 14 days in the winter, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered or rainwater at room temperature to avoid shocking the roots. If the plant is overwatered, it can lead to root rot and other problems, so it's essential to monitor the soil moisture closely.

Soil & Repotting: The Right Soil Mix Makes Root Rot Rare

Impatiens walleriana prefers a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A good soil recipe is 60% potting mix + 30% perlite + 10% orchid bark. This mix provides good drainage and aeration, while also retaining some moisture to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Repot the plant every 1-2 years in the spring, using a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one. This will help to prevent the soil from becoming too wet and will give the roots room to grow.

Fertilizing

Impatiens walleriana benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, and apply it monthly during the spring and summer. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to produce healthy growth and flowers.

Humidity and Temperature

Impatiens walleriana prefers a medium humidity level, between 50-70%. To achieve this, you can use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles. This will help to maintain the right humidity level and prevent the plant from becoming too dry.

The ideal temperature range for Impatiens walleriana is 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep the plant away from heating vents and cold windows to maintain a consistent temperature. Avoid placing the plant near air conditioning units or drafty windows, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate and may damage the plant.

Toxicity & Safety: Is Impatiens walleriana Safe for Pets?

According to the ASPCA, Impatiens walleriana is non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it's still possible for pets to experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest a large amount of the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested Impatiens walleriana, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

To keep your pets safe, keep the plant out of reach and avoid placing it in areas where your pets tend to congregate. If you have pets that like to chew on plants, consider using a plant stand or hanging basket to keep the plant out of reach.

Common Problems

Symptom	Most Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Prevention
Soft, mushy stem base	Overwatering	Stop watering and repot in fresh, well-draining soil	Monitor soil moisture closely and avoid getting water on the leaves
Yellowing leaves	Underwatering	Water the plant thoroughly and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged	Check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed
Droopy leaves	Low humidity	Use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles	Maintain a medium humidity level and avoid placing the plant near heating vents
Pests on the leaves	Infestation	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the infestation	Inspect the plant regularly and isolate it if you notice any pests
Slow growth	Lack of nutrients	Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer	Fertilize the plant regularly during the growing season

Overwatering

If you notice that the stem base of your Impatiens walleriana is soft and mushy, it's likely that the plant is overwatered. To fix this, stop watering the plant and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Make sure to monitor the soil moisture closely and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent further problems.

Underwatering

If the leaves of your Impatiens walleriana are yellowing, it's likely that the plant is underwatered. To fix this, water the plant thoroughly and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed to prevent the plant from becoming too dry.

Low Humidity

If the leaves of your Impatiens walleriana are droopy, it's likely that the plant is suffering from low humidity. To fix this, use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to maintain a medium humidity level. Avoid placing the plant near heating vents or air conditioning units, as this can cause the humidity level to fluctuate and may damage the plant.

Pests

If you notice pests on the leaves of your Impatiens walleriana, it's likely that the plant is infested. To fix this, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the infestation. Inspect the plant regularly and isolate it if you notice any pests to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

Slow Growth

If your Impatiens walleriana is not growing as quickly as you expect, it's likely that the plant is lacking nutrients. To fix this, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer and make sure to provide it with the right amount of light and water. Fertilize the plant regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Where to Buy & What to Look For

Impatiens walleriana can be found at most nurseries and garden centers. When purchasing the plant, look for healthy specimens with bright green leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid plants with yellowing or droopy leaves, as this can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering.

The best source for Impatiens walleriana is a local nursery, as they can provide advice and guidance on how to care for the plant. Online retailers can also be a good option, but make sure to read reviews and check the plant's condition before making a purchase.

When purchasing the plant, check the root condition, leaf color, and stem firmness to ensure that it is healthy and well-established. Avoid plants with signs of pests or diseases, and make sure to inspect the plant carefully before bringing it home.

The price range for Impatiens walleriana can vary depending on the size and quality of the plant. Small plants (less than 6 inches tall) can cost between £5-£10, while larger plants (over 12 inches tall) can cost between £15-£30.

Propagation

Impatiens walleriana can be propagated using stem cuttings. To propagate the plant, follow these steps:

1. Cut a stem from the mother plant, just above a node.
2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three sets of leaves.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder or liquid.
4. Plant the stem in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
5. Water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. Place the plant in a warm, bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
7. Roots should develop within 1-2 weeks, and the plant should be ready to transplant within 2-3 months.

The best time to propagate Impatiens walleriana is during the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing. Avoid propagating the plant during the winter, as the lack of light and cooler temperatures can make it more difficult for the plant to establish itself.

Expert Verdict

As a plant care expert, I would rate Impatiens walleriana as a 4 out of 5 for beginners. This plant is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for those new to plant care. However, it does require some attention to its watering and fertilization needs, so it's not entirely hands-off.

Impatiens walleriana is best for those who want a low-maintenance plant that can add a pop of color to their indoor space. It's also a great choice for those who tend to forget to water their plants, as it can tolerate some neglect. However, it's not the best choice for those who want a plant that can thrive in extremely low-light conditions or who are looking for a plant that can grow quickly.

Is This Plant Right For You?

Perfect for you if...	Skip this plant if...
You travel and water inconsistently	You want fast, dramatic weekly growth
You have a dark bathroom or bedroom	You have cats or dogs that chew plants
You're a first-time plant parent	You want a plant that flowers indoors
You want a low-maintenance plant	You're looking for a plant that can thrive in extremely low-light conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my Impatiens walleriana? Impatiens walleriana should be watered every 7-10 days in the summer and every 14 days in the winter. Make sure to check the soil moisture regularly and adjust the watering schedule as needed.

Is Impatiens walleriana toxic to cats and dogs? According to the ASPCA, Impatiens walleriana is non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it's still possible for pets to experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest a large amount of the plant.

Why are the leaves on my Impatiens walleriana turning yellow? The leaves on your Impatiens walleriana may be turning yellow due to underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule as needed. Also, make sure the plant is receiving enough light and nutrients.

Can Impatiens walleriana grow in low light? Impatiens walleriana can tolerate low light conditions, but it will not thrive in extremely low-light conditions. If you're looking for a plant that can grow in low light, consider a different species.

How big does Impatiens walleriana get indoors? Impatiens walleriana can grow up to 12-18 inches tall indoors, with a spread of around 6-12 inches. With proper care and conditions, the plant can produce a profusion of colorful flowers and become a beautiful addition to your indoor space.