Impatiens plants are also commonly called touch-me-not, busy Lizzie, sultana or patient Lucy. They are herbaceous perennials and are cultivated as annuals in most regions of the USA. These plants bloom from late spring until the first frost, and come in two varieties: Impatiens walleriana and the Impatiens hawkeri. Unfortunately they could also be prone to problems such as overwatering.
What Are The Symptoms of An Overwatered Impatiens?
The leaves are turning brown and wilted.
You will know that your impatiens plants are overwatered if their leaves turn brown and wilt. Unlike underwatered plants, where the leaves are brown and wilted but also dry and crispy, overwatered plants have brown, wilted leaves that are soft and limp.
Indentations and wart-like growths appear on the top sides of the leaves.
Overwatered impatiens will develop wart-like growths and indentations because of the buildup of water pressure. Bloated plant cells eventually die and burst, forming blisters that resemble lesions. Tan, brown or white wart-like growths will form when the blisters erupt and indentations will form above the growths on the top sides of the leaves.
The plants’ growth will be slow and stunted.
The plants’ growth will noticeably slow down, and both old and young leaves will start to drop.
The plants will develop root rot.
When impatiens plants are overwatered, water gets trapped inside the soil and the roots become deprived of oxygen. These humid, oxygen-deprived conditions are ideal for the growth of fungi, which may then infect the roots. You will know the plant has root rot if the roots are soft and mushy and the soil is soggy.
The leaves will turn yellow.
The leaves of overwatered impatiens plants tend to turn yellow. To fix this, make sure the soil is well-draining so that water does not stay stagnant around the roots. Refrain from watering the plants until the soil is completely dry.
How To Rescue Overwatered Impatiens?
- Move your overwatered plants to an area where there is bright sunlight. This will allow the soil to dry out more easily.
- Check that your plants have proper drainage. Provide sufficient space around the roots so that oxygen can reach them. Remove any dead or dying roots, but leave those that are still healthy.
- Water the plants only when the soil is already dry to the touch, but do not let the soil become too dry. Stop applying any fertilizers until the plants are healthy again.
- Treat your plants with fungicide.
There is no guarantee that the affected plants will be revived if they are overwatered. If they are lucky enough to survive, you will see the results within a week. In this case, you can move them back to their original spot and resume watering them.
You should check your soil regularly. Push your finger about an inch or two into the soil to check the moisture. If the soil is moist, reduce your watering. You may also use a moisture meter inserted into the root ball to determine the level of water in the soil.
Impatiens Plant Care and Information
Impatiens plants feature colorful flowers and thrive in low light conditions. They have the remarkable ability to grow in shady places, where they look like vibrant, glow-in-the-dark creations. They are a hardy and low-maintenance species, grown as annuals and houseplants because they are eye-catching and so easy to grow.
These plants are not drought-tolerant and need to be watered regularly to prevent them from wilting. Enrich the soil with organic matter and apply mulch to retain moisture. They should be watered daily during hot and dry weather if they are planted in pots.
Apply compost at planting time. You may also opt for a slow-release granular fertilizer. Impatiens grown in pots may be frequently fed with a liquid fertilizer.
Pruning is not necessary and you can pinch back the plants if they become leggy to encourage bushier growth. The flowers are self-cleaning, so there is no need to deadhead them. Certain pests may affect impatiens, such as mealybugs, aphids, spider mites and thrips. They may also be prone to downy mildew.
Conclusion
Impatiens plants are favored by many homeowners for their beautiful blooms. They may suffer if overwatered, however, just like other plants. Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing or brown and wilted leaves, stunted growth and the development of root rot.
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