Home

Strange Wonderful Things

 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

Impatiens platypetala

I grow over 50 species of rare Impatiens and this is one of my favorites!  Impatiens platypetala is a fantastic plant that is practically unknown in cultivation.  It looks somewhat like the common bedding Impatiens except it grows upright to 3 feet tall!  The cheerful orange blooms dance like butterflies nearly all year long.  This is a rare orange form of the species from the island of Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes.  I don't know anyone else offering it online.

Impatiens platypetala

Impatiens platypetala is a perennial species with a vertical growth habit and rigid stems.  Its tall stature puts the blooms closer to eye level than typical Impatiens.  Even without flowers it's an attractive plant, with glossy, ribbed leaves that are 3-4 inches long.  The flowers appear most months of the year for me.  The 1½ inch blooms are an eye-catching shade of orange, and have a white central "eye".  Some of today's common hybrids originated from this species, and sometimes they are even called "Impatiens platypetala" incorrectly.  This is a true species, not a cultivated hybrid.

Impatiens platypetala

It needs temperatures above 40 degrees F (4°C), and preferably over 55 (13°C).  I have no information on how much heat it can take, but if the common New Guinea Impatiens grows in your area, i believe this one should too.  It grows great indoors in a pot.  It comes from shaded rainforests, so protect it from strong sun exposure.  Filtered sun or bright shade + morning sun keeps it happy.  Like most Impatiens, it prefers fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  In the right conditions, it is easy to grow.

Impatiens platypetala

Also see the magenta form!

 

Check availability

 

Tips on germinating the seeds

 

Home

Strange Wonderful Things

Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

Entire site Copyright 2003-2023 by Strange Wonderful Things, except as noted