Expert: C.L. Fornari - 7/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: We have a New Guinea Impatient hanging basket on our front porch which has partial sun light.  It had beautiful blooms on it when we received it. It seems healthy but no longer blooms.  How can we rectify this?

Sue

ANSWER: Sue,
The following can cause New Guinea Impatiens to stop blooming:
1. Too little sun.  NG's bloom best when they have at least 4 or 5 hours of direct sun.  Move the basket to a sunnier location.
2. Drying out between waterings.  If the plant drys out inbetween waterings the flower buds can dry out and never open.  Water consistantly.
3. Fertlizer burn.  If you've fertlized the plant with too much fertlizer, or given it when the basket is dry (never fertlize a thirsty plant) the buds can get burned and not open.  In all likelyhood, however, you'd also see brown edges on the leaves if this was the problem.
4. Low fertility.  These plants should be fertlized every two or three weeks through the summer.  Either give them two tablespoons of time-release fertilizer such as Osmocote, or a liquid feed after watering.

I hope this helps!
C.L.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We did use the fertilizer stakes and do have some brown edges.  If this is the problem, can it be rectified or is it too late to save this plant?

Answer
If this was the problem, it should improve in a couple of weeks provided you water the plants when the soil is dry (constantly wet causes rot - water very well and then let the soil dry out but don't let the plants wilt.  Feel the weight of the basket and when it starts to be light it is dry and will need water again.) and give the plant at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.  It should start to bloom again soon!
C.L.