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Turquoise Puya
Impatiens flaccida

I'm really delighted to have this one.  Impatiens flaccida is a rare species from southern India that you won't find in nurseries.  At first glance it looks somewhat like the common Impatiens walleriana, except it has terrific foliage that is glossy and ribbed.  The vibrant blooms appear all year long on this perennial species.  The plant is very rare in cultivation, but it happens to be easy to grow.  I don't know anyone else offering it online.

Impatiens flaccida

Impatiens flaccida grows vigorously to about 18 inches tall and wide.  Its leaves are large, lush, and thick, making this a first-rate hanging plant.  The orchid-shaped flowers are about 1½ inches across, with a long, curved "tail" in back.  The color is a vivid shade of pinkish lavender, with bright magenta at the center.  This is a true species, not a cultivated hybrid.  You might be able to cross-breed it with some other Impatiens to create new hybrids!

Impatiens flaccida grows best at temperatures between about 50 and 85 degrees F (10-29°C), with nights that are cool.  It doesn't seem to like cold temperatures, and it probably cannot survive frost.  It grows great indoors in a pot.  Like most Impatiens, it prefers moist, well draining soil of good fertility.  Bright, indirect light or filtered sun is best.  Shade it from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40% humidity is recommended.

Impatiens flaccida
 

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Germination tips for this plant

 

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Turquoise Puya

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