Home

Strange Wonderful Things

 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

 

Impatiens claeri

Impatiens claeri

Growing tips

 

Pot size -- You may start your plant in 4 to 6 inch pot. 

Soil -- Like most Impatiens, it likes  fertile, well-draining soil.  A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse horticultural sand.

Transplanting -- Transplant carefully to avoid breaking apart the soil ball.  Don't pack the soil down after repotting. 

Watering -- Aim to keep the soil evenly moist most of the time, but not constantly saturated.  If you're unsure how moist the soil is, use a moisture meter probe.  Don't let the pot sit in a tray of water.

Lighting -- It likes bright, filtered light.  It doesn't mind some sun, but it might need some protection from strong sun exposure.  It does not need a lot of light to thrive, although the variegation tends to get the strongest in bright light.  In warmer temperatures, give it afternoon shade and keep the pot shaded to keep the roots cool.

 Your Impatiens was grown in filtered light and should be acclimated to direct sun slowly, over a period of 2-3 weeks. 

Climate --  Impatiens claeri is happiest between about 50 and 85 degrees F (10-29°C) with cool nights.  It might tolerate warmer temperatures if nights are cool.  It can tolerate temperatures close to freezing, but it may perish from freezing temperatures.  I have heard of it regrowing from the roots after being frozen to the ground, but i wouldn't count on this.  It's best to protect it from all frost.

 Over about 40% humidity is best.  If it seems to suffer from low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier, sold at home improvement stores and thrift shops. 

Fertilizing -- Your Impatiens likes average amounts of fertilizer.  Feed about every 2-3 months with an all-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.

Pruning --  Feel free to shape your plant as it grows.  If you want a tall, tree-like look, remove some of the lower side branches.  If you prefer a compact, bushy plant, pinch off the growing tip of a branch, and it will respond by growing side branches. 

Repotting -- Repot to a bigger container before the plant gets rootbound.

 If your plant gets very tall, the branches might need some support to keep from falling over.

 If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 

Enjoy your plant!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 
Home

Strange Wonderful Things

Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

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