Home

Strange Wonderful Things

 Rare and exotic plants

Turquoise Puya

 

Variegated Parrot Impatiens

Impatiens niamniamensis

 

Growing tips

 

Getting started -- I recommend leaving your plant in its pot the first week.  It's normal for Impatiens to sometimes wilt during or after shipping.  If this happens, simply cover it with a plastic bag.  Each day, punch a dime-sized hole in the bag to slowly lower the humidity, then remove the bag after 7-10 days.

Soil -- Like most Impatiens, this one likes fertile, well-draining soil.  If you use bagged potting soil, add perlite for extra drainage  - about 1 part perlite to 2-3 parts soil.

Pot size -- Repot it to about a 1 gallon container that has drainage holes.   It may eventually need to be transferred to a 3 gallon container if you let it grow to full size.

Transplanting -- Transplant gently to avoid damaging the roots.  Shade the plant from sun the first 3 weeks.

Watering -- Try to keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) at all times. 

Light -- This Impatiens doesn't need a whole lot of direct sun - just bright light.  It grows well in morning sun + bright shade, or tree-filtered sun all day.  Shade it from strong afternoon sun.

Climate -- The Parrot Impatiens grows best above 50 degrees F (10°C) and below 85 degrees (29°C).  It might tolerate warmer conditions if nights are cool (below 65°F / 18°C).  It cannot take any frost.  Indoors, if the humidity is below around 40%, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier.

Fertilizing -- Your Impatiens has average fertilizing needs.  Feed about every 2-3 months, following the dosage on the label.

 It's normal for a leaf to occasionally turn yellow and drop, but if it seems excessive, the soil may be too dry down in the root zone, or the plant may need more fertilizer.

Pruning -- It's not necessary to prune your plant, unless you wish to shape it or remove excessive growth.   Just avoid removing too many leaves at one time.

Pests to watch for - Watch for any pests that can affect your other plants.

Have fun growing it!  

- 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