Double Impatiens

Double Impatiens should be watered approximately once a week, making sure that the soil is kept lightly moist all the time. Water thoroughly, and allow the top inch of the soil to dry out in-between waterings. Reduce the watering in winter, as it is their natural dormant period, and they will not need as much water. If you are growing them outdoors, you might need to water them more frequently during the hotter months.

Double Impatiens require very bright, indirect light. If the light is too direct, they can get sunburned. They will do best in steady, bright, indirect sunlight from an east or west-facing window. Although they can perform adequately in a south-facing window, be sure to keep an eye on the leaves and allow some shade if they are getting too much sunlight.

Double Impatiens prefer temperatures between 60 °F – 80 °F (15.6 °C – 26.7 °C). Ensure that they never drop below 60°F (15.6 °C). They can handle warm temperatures, but again make sure the temperatures never exceed 80 °F (26.7 °C). If you are growing them indoors, keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, and drafty windows.

Double Impatiens can tolerate lower levels of humidity, but prefer it to be between 40-50% to truly thrive. Mist them down regularly if possible, or group together houseplants in humid positions or on humidity trays to increase the surrounding humidity. Place a small fan near them too, to help circulate the air.

Double Impatiens like a soil that is light, airy, and well-draining. The ideal potting mixture should be two parts compost or soil-less potting mix, and one part perlite. You should also add some slow-release fertilizer, as this will help ensure the soil stays nutrient-rich for longer periods of time.

Since Double Impatiens are flowering plants, they generally require more fertilizer than other houseplants. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and replace with a higher nitrogen fertilizer in the fall. Stop fertilizing in the winter. When applying fertilizer, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Double Impatiens are fairly resilient to most pests, but can suffer from aphid infestations. These are small, sucking insects that form colonies on the underside of the leaves and stems, and cause them to become stunted. The best approaches for dealing with aphids is to use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to kill them. Make sure to spray the underside of the leaves where they congregate mostly, and repeat the process if necessary to ensure all the bugs have been eradicated.

It is best to repot Double Impatiens every couple of years, as their soil mixes tend to degrade and nutrients get depleted. Make sure to wait until springtime to repot, as this is when they are actively growing. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one, and make sure to fill the bottom with plenty of drainage material. And also make sure to use fresh potting soil that is specially formulated for houseplants.

Double Impatiens do not require too much pruning, as they are very bushy and can grow quite tall. Just make sure to snip off any dead or discolored leaves, and any stems that cross over each other or, and pinch off any spent blossoms. This will help shape the plant and encourage new growth.

Mulching with organic material is beneficial for Double Impatiens. It helps the soil to retain moisture, and it also introduces nutrients into the soil which can help the plant to grow better. Use a material like pine bark or peat moss, and make sure it is organic and not treated with any kind of chemical.

Propagation of Double Impatiens is relatively easy. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from the base of the plant, and remove the bottom 2-3 pairs of leaves. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone, and then place it in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, you should see new roots and shoots beginning to form.

Double Impatiens can grow quite tall, so it may be necessary to provide them with some kind of support. Use sticks or trellises to prop up the stems and keep them from drooping. Make sure that the plant itself is the one that supports the sticks, and not the other way around.

Double Impatiens do not need a resting period like some other houseplants, but it is important to reduce their water intake during the winter months. This way, they will not suffer from root rot due to overwatering. Reduce the number of waterings to once a month, and stop fertilizing during this time as well.

Double Impatiens are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you don't have to worry about keeping your pets away from them. They are however toxic to humans, and can cause mild skin irritation if the sap is touched.