Question
every year my son gives me a huge basket of an impatiens variety that, when moved indoors,  same light & watering conditions, begins to turn silvery, dries and drops leaves

is there any way to keep this plant alive thru the winter?

Answer
Hi Jeanette,

It is possible to keep Impatiens alive through the winter, but they are a lot of work and they will not thrive.

Impatiens like a sunny windowsill that is also cool. High humidity also helps. This is hard to achieve in most homes where winter temps are warm and the air is very dry. In warm, dry air, spider mites are a serious problem for Impatiens.

Do not repot or fertilize and keep the soil moderately moist by watering as soon as the top half-inch of soil us dry.

Impatiens also tend to get leggy while indoors, so regular pruning will be necessary, although that may deter flowering.

At best, you may be able to keep them going through the winter so you can get them back outside again next spring.

Good luck if you decide to pursue this.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com