Problems With Double Impatiens

Proper Growing Conditions

• Depending on the variety, double impatiens average 18 inches tall, with flowers up to 2 inches in diameter. Proper growing conditions are imperative for plants to remain healthy and problem free. Impatiens tolerate partially sunny to full shade environments. When planted in full shade, plants grow leggier and produce fewer flowers. Grow in soils that are moist and drain well. When grown in soggy, nondraining sites, double impatiens have a tendency to develop problems with pests and disease. When planting, gardeners should consider that impatiens have a spread of up to 2 feet. Proper spacing allows adequate circulation of air, cutting down on pest and disease problems. Outdoor plants require water one to two times weekly. Irrigate containerized impatiens when the top of the soil feels dry.

Powdery Mildew Fungus

• Double impatiens plants are susceptible to infestation of the fungal disease powdery mildew. When soil conditions are wet, air circulation is poor and nights are cool, the condition is most problematic. Symptoms show as a white powder covering the plant. The fungus eventually changes grayish to tan. Foliage and flowers suffer deformity, curling and dropping prematurely. Allow adequate spacing between multiple plants and decrease wet soil conditions to decrease susceptibility. Do not overwater or overfertilize impatiens plants. Treat the problem with a fungicide, following label directions. Widespread infestations, especially late in the growing season, are untreatable. Dig up, bag and destroy infected plants.

Aphid Damage

• Aphids are tiny insects that sometimes infect and damage double impatiens. The insect pierces foliage and new growth with its mouth. It then proceeds to suck out vital nutrients from the plant. Plants show insect damage through distortion of blossoms and leaves. The aphids usually form into mass groups on infected portions of the plant. In large infestations, the black-colored, sooty mold fungus forms. Aphids secrete honeydew, which drips onto leaves. The sooty mold then attaches to the sappy secretions. Gardeners must first treat the aphid problem to conquer the sooty mold problem. Spray the plant with an aphid-killing insecticide safe for use on impatiens and follow all directions. Spray the foliage with water to remove the sooty mold.

Whitefly Damage

• Whiteflies are sometimes problematic to double impatiens plants. The small, flying insects are white and suck the plant's nutrients. Outdoor infestations are more of a problem in warmer areas of the country. Indoor plants are susceptible year-round. Plants suffer damage with yellowing or molted foliage and sometimes die. Detect the insects by moving the impatiens foliage. If small insects start flying around when the plant is touched, you have a whitefly problem. Kill the insects with an impatiens-safe insecticide, following directions.