What to Do With Spindly Impatiens Plants?

Season

• Impatiens are annual flowers that grow from the last spring frost to first fall frost. The plants weaken and lose foliage in early plantings and in fall when frost approaches. Move potted impatiens indoors in fall, before the first frost, to save them.

Site and Sun

• Impatiens grow strongest under the right conditions. These plants do best in filtered sun or morning sun and afternoon shade. They burn and lose foliage in harsh all-day sun or afternoon sun. Move burning or weakening impatiens to cooler, shadier locations to improve growth.

Soil and Nutrition

• The Iowa State University Extension notes that impatiens thrive in moist, loose soil with moderate fertility. Lack of soil nutrition leads to leaf loss and spindly stems. Mix organic compost into the soil the impatiens are growing in to give the plants nutrition and to aid in moisture retention. Fertilize the impatiens with water-soluble bloom fertilizer. Impatiens thrive with biweekly feedings.

Moisture Stress

• The Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that the biggest impediment to impatiens growth is moisture stress. The plants wilt, drop their leaves and weaken without adequate water. Water impatiens with 2 inches of water every four to five days to keep the soil moist and nurture impatiens back to health.

Pruning

• Impatiens produce multiple flower flushes through the season and do best with consistent pruning. Deadhead the plants to remove old blooms and pinch the top inch off spindly plants to increase branching and foliage growth.