Expert: C.L. Fornari - 7/5/2008

Question
The question about the impatients that wilted after two weeks fit me perfect. I think it is getting to much water. It is in a hanging pot. I live in Nebraska, this was a gift to us and hate to loose it. Will it help if I repot this plant? Thanks Jean

Answer
Jean,
Glad that the post about New Guinea impatiens was helpful for you too - yes, if a plant has been getting too much water then often a change of soil will help. Take the plants out of the basket, knock off some of the old soil and look at the roots - trim off any brown roots (or half of the roots if all are brown) and replant. If all of the roots were brown you might want to trim off the lower leaves and bury this part of the stem in the soil - plants usually produce roots from the places where leaves join the stem, so putting this area in the soil will help it to produce new roots. Water after potting up, but then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Fertilize a week or two after you change the soil.

all the best,
C.L.