Impatiens hawkeri
Impatiens hawkeri · Balsaminaceae
📷 Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around impatiens hawkeri and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Hawker's Impatiens
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous (grown as annual in temperate climates)
- Flowering
- May to October, abundant and colorful flowers
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Foliage
- Persistent, dark green, semi-fleshy
- Hardiness
- Grow indoors or as annual; freezes below 15 °C
- Origin
- Papua New Guinea
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement sans laisser le substrat sécher complètement, mais crains l'excès d'eau qui pourrit les racines : un terreau léger et drainé est essentiel. Maintiens une hygrométrie élevée (brumise les feuilles ou place le pot sur un lit de billes d'eau) car elle adore l'humidité de l'air, surtout en intérieur chauffé.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers la noient en arrosant trop souvent par peur qu'elle ne sèche : elle meurt d'asphyxie racinaire bien plus souvent que de déshydratation.
The pro's trick
Pince régulièrement les tiges (toutes les 4-5 feuilles) dès qu'elle atteint 15 cm de hauteur : cela force la ramification et tu obtiens une plante compacte et très fleurie au lieu d'un bâton dégarni.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, réduis les arrosages et place-la loin des appareils de chauffage qui assèchent l'air : elle dépérit vite en atmosphère sèche et froide. L'été, surveille les araignées rouges en air très sec : brumise davantage si tu vois des taches jaunes sur les feuilles.
Care
Light
Place your impatiens in bright, indirect light: it enjoys sunlight filtered through a sheer curtain. Avoid intense direct sun which would scorch its delicate leaves. Indoors, a windowsill facing east or west is ideal for maintaining vibrant colors.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the substrate moist but without waterlogging. Feel the soil: if it sticks, wait before watering. Reduce watering slightly in winter. Prefers soft water at room temperature.
Substrate and repotting
Use a rich, well-draining mix: indoor plant potting soil mixed with perlite or bark. Repot every spring or when roots emerge from the pot. Ensure good aeration of the substrate to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
Apply diluted fertilizer every 10-15 days during the growing season (spring-summer). Prefer a balanced formula or one slightly higher in potassium to encourage flowering. Stop fertilizing in winter if the plant is dormant.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems to encourage branching and a compact, bushy shape. Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms. Light pruning in late winter rejuvenates the plant.
Pests and diseases
Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs, which thrive in dry air. Increase ambient humidity by lightly misting around the plant. Avoid stagnant moisture on leaves to prevent mold and fungal spots.
Did you know?
Impatiens hawkeri owes its nickname 'impatiens' to the explosive mechanism of its fruits: when they ripen, the slightest touch causes the capsule to burst and launch seeds several meters away! This ingenious seed-dispersal strategy fascinated botanists long before it became popular as a houseplant in the 20th century.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Himalayan balsamImpatiens glandulifera
- Small balsamImpatiens parviflora
- Touch-me-notImpatiens noli-tangere
- Cape balsamImpatiens capensis
- Pale jewelweedImpatiens pallida
- Balfour's impatiensImpatiens balfourii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.