Expert: C.L. Fornari - 10/23/2008

Question
I have some beautiful New Guinea impatiens that are still flowering and budding.  It's getting cold, so I brought them in the house.  Will they survive as houseplants over the winter and what is the lowest temperature they can endure? I live in New Jersey

Answer
Marion,
It's so hard at this time of year because our annuals look fantastic but they will soon be cut down by frost and we want to save them.  These plants won't continue to look good indoors, however. Inside they won't have the same amount of light or humidity, so they loose leaves. And because there isn't the same air circulation or beneficial insects they are also prone to getting bugs like white fly or scale.

SO - if these are special varieties or really expensive plants I'd recommend that you take cuttings and keep those alive over the winter in a bright window, not fertilizing until February and checking frequently for insects.  But if these are commonly found New Guineas I really don't think it's worth jumping through the hoops necessary to keep them alive through the winter.

In some ways, having plants be fleeting makes us appreciate them more, don't you think?
all the best,
C.L.

www.wholelifegardening.com