Well, let me tell ya somethin’ about them impatiens plants. If you’re wonderin’ if you can bring ’em inside for the winter, the short answer is yes, you sure can. But don’t go thinkin’ it’s all gonna be smooth sailin’ — it ain’t always that easy. You see, them impatiens, especially the fancy ones like the New Guinea type, are used to warm weather. So when winter rolls around, ya gotta help ’em out a bit if you want ’em to make it till spring.
Now, the first thing you gotta know is that impatiens ain’t exactly made for the cold. If you live up north, where it gets real chilly, like them zones 2 to 7, well, you better be ready to bring ’em inside. ‘Cause out there in them cold winds, them poor things ain’t gonna last. But don’t fret, there’s a way to keep ’em safe and sound.
When you bring ’em in, it’s important to pick the right spot. Don’t just shove ‘em anywhere. Impatiens love the warmth, so make sure the place you put ‘em in stays nice and toasty, ‘round 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day. At night, it’s okay if it cools down a little, but you don’t want it to dip too low, no less than 50°F (10-12°C), or they’ll get too cold and start droopin’ on ya.
But it ain’t just about the temperature. You gotta make sure they’re gettin’ enough light, too. Them plants, they ain’t like the winter weeds outside, they need some sunshine to keep growin’. Find a good sunny window for ’em, one that gets plenty of light, and they’ll be happy enough. If you got a spot with a little extra light, that’s even better. ‘Cause if they ain’t gettin’ enough sunlight, they might stop bloommin’ and get all sad lookin’.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on them. Make sure ya water ‘em when they need it, but don’t drown ‘em. They don’t like sittin’ in water. Let the soil dry out a little bit before you water again. You don’t want their roots gettin’ soggy, or you’ll have more trouble than you bargained for.
If you’re real lucky, and the plant’s in good health, you might even get some blooms in the winter. Especially if you got them New Guinea impatiens that are a bit sturdier. They’re a bit fancier, and they can handle a little more than the regular kind, but still, they ain’t foolproof. You gotta be patient and watch how they’re doin’. If you’re seein’ flowers and leaves that look nice, you’re on the right track.
Now, not all impatiens are gonna make it through the winter. Most of ’em, well, they’re annuals, which means they’re only good for one season. They bloom and grow, then they die off when the cold comes. But some, like the New Guinea ones, they can be perennials if you live in the right place. But if you’re in a cold zone, you’ll have to bring ’em in every year. They ain’t gonna come back on their own when the frost hits.
If you’re wantin’ to keep ‘em for the next year, be prepared to look after ‘em carefully. Some folks even take cuttings in the fall and try to root ‘em inside, just in case the whole plant doesn’t make it. That way, they can start fresh come springtime with a new plant, rather than tryin’ to nurse the old one back to health.
So there ya have it. You can bring your impatiens inside for the winter, but it takes a bit of work. Keep ‘em warm, give ‘em light, don’t overwater, and keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. With a little care, they might just make it till spring, and you’ll have yourself some pretty flowers again come warmer weather. But like I said, luck plays a part too, so don’t get too upset if they don’t pull through. Sometimes plants just do what they want!
Tags:[Impatiens, Winter Care, Indoor Plants, New Guinea Impatiens, Gardening, Flower Care, Indoor Gardening, Plant Care]