What happened to my New Guinea Impatiens?

Question

Last year i lost all my pretty impatiens one after another. Was thrilled to hear there's a disease resistant variety and bought 5 colours. And then,this one just wilted and died! Wonder if its going to happen to all the rest too.. We did have a lot of rain so maybe root rot . Would like your opinion.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

There are some diseases that cause root rot in New Guinea impatiens, but these are in general pretty tough plants. I suspect too much water may indeed be the culprit. I have heard no anecdotal evidence of the downy mildew that has decimated bedding impatiens affecting New Guinea impatiens.

Jay · Answer

Okay..thankyou Douglas Hunt

Joyce S · Answer

this looks like too much water...

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

What soil do you have them in? It looks pretty heavy in the 'after' picture.

Jay · Answer

I buy potting mix from the nursery Donna Dixson. Its only available like that here. They claim that it includes whatever is necessary for plants. We have no other options.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

hmm..can you add any amendments to it? Something like perlite or vermiculite or maybe even some coarse sand or small rocks....something to give the container better drainage?

Jay · Answer

Vermiculite etc are not available in packets the way i've seen in videos taken in the US. But i did add broken terracota pieces just above the holes in the pot. Its the same with all my pots but once in a while ,i do lose a plant due to improper drainage esp when it rains continuously.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Jay can you start composting some vegetable scraps and start making your own mix?

Jay · Answer

Don't think so Donna. I live in an appartment and my hubby will murder me! :) Thankyou..

Caley's Culinaries · Answer

Donna is right, you need a looser soil. The roots need to be able to get through it easily. A looser mix will drain better too.

Bernice H · Answer

Oh dear such a sad photo! I love New Guineas....had a problem last year so this year didn't get any. they just didn't grow or thrive last year. However my new love is Cyclamen! I left mine in pots tho, and voila..yesterday the dirt was frozen. oops! Hope you get some good answers and results.New G's are so pretty!

Jennifer F · Answer

I planted for three years without any problem until this summer. I found out why. Feral cats used it for their bathroom! I am going to put a chicken mesh under so hope they find a better place to their business.

Jay · Answer

I knoww..Such a sorry pic! Actually didn't want to post it. Yes,they are very pretty. I have four other colours. So far so good.:)

Jay · Answer

Sorry to say that suddenly all my other New Guinea Impatiens too are just wilting and dying one by one. Think i've had them for nine months or so now.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Oh Jay I am so sorry.....:(

Janis White Austin · Answer

Mine, too suddenly wilt and die. They are in nice potting soil, sterilized pots, and get bright dappled shade with less than an hour of direct sun in the morning. Some last two months, some just two weeks. I’m giving up on them.

What happened to my New Guinea Impatiens?

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What happened to my New Guinea Impatiens?

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