Pot size -- You may start your plant in a 4-5 inch pot. A mature plant may be grown in a 1 or 2 gallon pot. Soil -- Like most Impatiens, this one likes fertile, well-draining soil. A typical soil mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand. Transplanting -- Transplant carefully to avoid damaging the delicate roots. For the first week after transplanting, avoid direct sun, and don't feed it. Watering -- Your plant likes evenly-moist conditions. Don't let the soil dry out, but don't keep it constantly soggy either. If your water is "hard" (very high in minerals), you may need to use bottled water or rain water. Lighting -- This Impatiens does best in filtered light. Prolonged direct sun might burn it, unless it's weak sun. In warmer conditions, keep it well shaded. Climate -- Little is known about its climate preferences. If the plant lags in hot weather, you might need to bring it into a cool room. It can tolerate cool temps, but i don't think it can survive freezing temperatures. Indoors, if it seems to suffer from low humidity, 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 3 months with an all-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients, and follow the dosage on the package. Pests to watch for -- Scale (little brown disks on the stems - hard to see), aphids, spider mites (tiny "dots" and webbing under the leaves), whitefly, mealy bugs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Enjoy your plant! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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