I have a co-worker looking for help with New Guinea Impatiens over the winter. I heard you could take impatiens inside and use as a house plant but hers looks like it is dying. Is it just doing a sulk from coming in or should she try to root some cuttings?
Sandy Cuttings might be best but if the plant is already in a pot the whole thing could be brought in and maybe do a couple of cuttings for insurance. In my oppinion Impatiens really dont make good house plants. They do not like the dry air and are prone to mites as well but it can be done. It would be an interesting experiment the worst is that she will have to buy the plant again next year.
Hi Sandy, I have brought my Impatiens niamniamensis into the house over the winter successfully but paid close attention to housing. As MrImpatiens said they don't care for the dry house air - I put mine in a corner of my office with a south facing window (covered by miniblinds to diffuse light), I am careful not to overwater and keep a small indoor water garden (you know the type with the small pumps) in the area along with some of my other moist air loving plants (episcia etc..). I sounds complicated but really isn't. (and taking back up cuttings for insurance is always a good idea) Alicia
Spider mites will decimate indoor impatiens if the air is very dry. The leaves will get mottled and then distorted as the grow. Eventually you will notice very fine webbing between the leaves. I find that misting the plants daily (or as often as you remember) is sufficient to control the mites. Other than that they do quite well, flowering all winter in a south-facing window. You might need less sun further south, look out for wilting.
I have had the same impatiens for 2 years now, B4 the frost kills them I snip off cuttings, and they grow all winter in canning jars in the window. If the water gets gross I rinse it out and add more. THey are easy, I can't keep my geraniums over, go figure? LOL Take Care, Di
