Impatiens hawkeri image • Photo: Author Forest & Kim Starr• CC BY 3.0↗
New Guinea Impatiens
Impatiens hawkeri
Impatiens hawkeri is a tropical flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms and colorful foliage. It features succulent stems, elliptical leaves with serrated edges, and flowers with five petals that exhibit a wide range of colors including pink, red, orange, purple, and white. The plant grows in a mounding habit and is prized for its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas. Hybrid varieties often showcase improved traits such as larger blooms, variegated leaves, and increased resilience.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Impatiens hawkeri
Light Requirements
bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
keep soil consistently moist (water when top 1-2 inches of soil dry out)
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
60-85°F (15-29°C)
Native Climate
Native to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Impatiens hawkeri plants
stem cuttings
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
fast
12-18 inches tall and wide
perennial in tropical climates; often grown as an annual in temperate zones
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
spring through fall
Flower Description
Showy 2-3 inch flowers with five overlapping petals, often featuring contrasting throat markings or bi-colored patterns. Blooms appear continuously under proper conditions.
Fun Fact
Impatiens hawkeri was first collected in Papua New Guinea in 1884 and became a Victorian-era greenhouse favorite before modern hybridization efforts expanded its popularity.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Impatiens hawkeri
No problems reported
Good news! No common problems have been reported for this plant. If you encounter any issues, check back later or join our community to share your experience.
Varieties
Different varieties of Impatiens hawkeri
Drought-tolerant hybrid with tubular flowers
Compact cultivar with large blooms
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Advice shared by other plant enthusiasts
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Impatiens hawkeri
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