Problems with New Guinea Impatiens

Wilt

• New Guinea Impatiens are notorious for wilting in the full summer sun. Though bred to be more sun tolerant than other varieties, they still cannot handle the heat of direct sunlight in the dog days of July and August. What starts out as a perfectly healthy looking plant in the morning can seem completely dead by sundown. For this reason, it is important to make sure they are adequately watered and the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. If the plant wilts, you water generously and in most cases the plants will spring back to life. To help avoid this scenario, plant New Guinea Impatiens in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Lack of Blooms or Growth

• The most common reason for New Guinea Impatiens to not bloom prolifically is inadequate light. These plants require more sun than other impatiens varieties so they will not thrive in a full shade location.

  A lack of blooms could also occur right after planting when the plant's energy is concentrating on growing roots. If buds are not developing at all, this is likely the reason.

  If buds are developing and just dropping off, this could mean either too much or too little water or pest problems such as slugs, snails or deer eating the buds.

  If the plant is not growing, the reason could be that it was planted too early in the season. This should correct itself once the ground warms up. Applying a slow release fertilizer regularly will also help growth as New Guinea Impatiens are heavy feeders.

Pest Problems

• Unfortunately, slugs, snails and deer love New Guinea Impatiens just as much as gardeners. So do spider mites, thrips, mealybugs and aphids The difference is these pests express their love by eating the object of their affection. For deer, commercial repellents can be used but fences are really the only way to completely block these hungry beasts.

  For slugs and snails, a chemical bait or beer traps can be used to kill these slimy predators.

  Aphids, spider mites, thrips and mealy bugs can likewise be controlled with a commercial pesticide or insectidal soap. Organic versions of these treatments are also available, though sometimes they are not as effective as their chemical counterparts.

Diseases

• Fungal blights, rots and viruses can infect New Guinea Impatiens if they are grown under less than optimal conditions. The most common disease of impatiens is Necrotic Spot Virus , which infects the foliage and stems with lesions.

  Another common disease is is Botrytis blight which occurs when humidity is too high and night temperatures are too cool. Root rot can also occur if plants are overwatered.

  When disease strikes there is unfortunately very little that can be done to cure the plant. The best case scenario is to limit the damage and prevent it from spreading by removing the infected foliage and applying a commercial fungicide regularly. The only real solution is to prevent disease from occuring in the first place by providing optimal growing conditions. This includes planting New Guinea Impatiens in well-drained soil in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and space plants adequately apart. Excessive moisture and overcrowding of plants can lead to poor air circulation. This creates the perfect environment for diseases to spread.