| We live in WI and soon the outdoor plants will die. We have baskets of outdoor "new guinea impatiens". By any chance would these plants grow indoors during the winter if we kept them watered. They would not be in any direct or otherwise sunlight. Do you know of a way to salvage the plants over the winter, indoors. thanks |
| New Guinea hybrids can be successfully grown indoor. Here's how: Plants need average household warmth (minimum of 60F if you want them to flower); bright light but no direct sunlight; moist potting soil; mist occasionally or place potted plants on a layer of gravel in a shallow tray and keep an inch of water in the tray - as the water evaporates it will increase humidity around your impatiens. You'll want to pinch back the stems periodically to encourage new foliage and additional new stems. This will keep your plants lush and full, and will encourage flowering. I'd transplant the impatiens into suitable pots and take them indoors before nighttime temperatures get too cold. Do this gradually so the plants can become accustomed to lower light levels and warmer indoor temperatures. Start by taking them in at night and back outside during the day, gradually keeping them in for longer and longer periods of time until they're spending 24 hours indoors. Reverse the process in the spring when the weather is warm enough for them to stay outside. Enjoy your impatiens! |
