Common impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Impatiens walleriana
Shade-loving, compact flowering plant with bright blooms; commonly grown as an annual in temperate gardens and as a tender perennial in frost-free climates.
Pet-Friendly Plant
Toxicity: non toxic
Impatiens walleriana are generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive pets.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Grow in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Outdoors place where it gets morning sun but is shaded from harsh afternoon rays. Indoors keep near an east or north-facing window or behind a sheer curtain to avoid leaf scorch.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 1–2 cm of mix feels dry; water until excess drains. In pots reduce frequency in cool weather, and never let plants sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Mist occasionally, group pots together, or use a pebble tray. Avoid long periods of hot, dry air from heaters or direct AC drafts.
Temperature
Ideal 15–24°C (59–75°F); tolerates about 10–30°C (50–86°F). Protect from frost and avoid prolonged exposure below 10°C or above 30°C.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Wilting and limp stems
Cause: Underwatering or root rot from overwatering/soggy soil
Solution: Check soil moisture. If dry, water thoroughly. If waterlogged, improve drainage, repot into fresh mix and reduce watering; trim rotten roots.
Yellowing leaves and leaf drop
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency
Solution: Adjust watering schedule, ensure pot drains, feed lightly with balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season.
Powdery mildew or fungal spots
Cause: High humidity with poor air circulation and wet foliage
Solution: Improve air flow, water at the soil level, remove infected leaves, and use a fungicide or neem oil if needed.
Chewed leaves or holes
Cause: Slugs, snails, or caterpillars (especially outdoors)
Solution: Hand-pick pests at night, use slug traps or organic baits, and apply insecticidal soap for caterpillars if infestations persist.
✂️How to Propagate Common impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Stem cuttings: take 5–8 cm tip cuttings, remove lower leaves, and insert into moist soilless mix or keep in water. Provide bright, indirect light and warm temps; roots form in 2–3 weeks. Seed: surface-sow on moist seed mix, press lightly but do not cover (seeds need light), keep evenly moist and warm; germination in 7–21 days. Transplant when true leaves develop.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Balsaminaceae
Native to: Native to East Africa, especially coastal and highland areas of Kenya and Tanzania.
Natural Habitat: Occurs in shaded, humid understories of tropical forests and along stream banks where soils are rich, loamy, well drained yet consistently moist with filtered light.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Treat as a tender annual in temperate zones: reduce watering, keep in bright indoor light, and maintain temps above 10°C. Remove spent growth and avoid fertilizing.
Spring
Begin regular watering and light feeding. Repot or refresh topsoil, pinch back tips to promote bushier growth, and transplant outside after last frost.
Summer
Keep evenly moist, provide morning sun and afternoon shade, deadhead spent blooms, and monitor for heat stress or pests; increase humidity if indoor air is dry.
Fall
Gradually reduce feeding and prepare for cooler nights. Bring containers indoors before first frost or allow plants to finish flowering and collect seeds.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water impatiens?
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries — typically every 2–5 days depending on container size, heat, and humidity.
Can impatiens tolerate full sun?
They do poorly in hot, direct afternoon sun; morning sun or bright, indirect light is best to prevent leaf scorch.
Are impatiens annuals or perennials?
In frost-free climates they can be perennial, but in temperate zones they are usually grown as annuals.
How do I propagate impatiens?
Propagate easily from 5–8 cm stem cuttings rooted in water or moist mix, or start from seeds surface-sown on moist mix.
Why are my impatiens leggy?
Legginess results from low light; move to brighter indirect light and pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025