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shellbell_3434

Impatiens indoors?

ShellBell_3434
18 years ago

I have some impatiens in a pot on my patio. Unfortuantely, as to the type - I can only tell you that they are white. The tag DID say annual on it when I bought the plant. It is doing so well and looking so lovely that I was wondering if it would survive if I brought the pot inside when it begans to get cool? Thanks for any advice.

Shelly in Texas

Comments (3)

  • marguerite_gw Zone 9a
    18 years ago

    In Ireland Impatiens are a very common houseplant - the common one grown for bedding is the usual type. The only thing to watch for in the winter is not to overwater, as this can lead to collapse of the stems and leaves caused by rot in the roots. Just repot your plant in autumn in a good clean compost and place in a bright spot indoors, preferably in a frost-free window, in a kitchen is ideal, I think. My cousin had a white one growing well back from the window in her bathroom and it was there for years. It flowered away in the winter but because she had it in a not too bright spot the leaves were quite dark in colour. She was more into benign neglect than anything with her houseplants, and while others objected, this one thrived. Good luck with your plant.

  • lbolanz
    18 years ago

    ShellBell:
    I did an experiment with this last year and kept a hot pink one which was a leftover from my hanging basket (just one "cell" from a 4- or 6-pack!). I put it in a pot and brought it to work and put it in a north-facing window (bright, but not direct). I watered it moderately but not over-much and it grew a bit and flowered some. Once spring hit this year, it seemed to double or triple in size and is flowering its head off! The only drawback is, they do shed a lot of flower petals other debris.

    They also root really fast if you just pinch it and stick the cutting right back in the soil.

    Good luck!

  • grits10
    18 years ago

    I've grown them indoors for years. Like the others said, don't overwater. Treat them kind of like you would African Violets; bright indirect light, good soak once a week and let 'er go. They do get messy but you can pinch them back if they try to go 'leggy' on you. Don't be too tempted to keep the cuttings though or you'll find yourself in a jungle, they root so easily. A good source for your outdoor planting next spring though....start rooting in Feb or March...VOILA! Instant (well fast anyway) savings! BTW you can do the same thing with begonias.

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