Impatiens are a great addition to any summer garden due to their popularity and easy care. However, if your plants are not looking their best, you may be wondering why their leaves are turning yellow. These flowers are often included in flower bed ideas and are ideal for container gardening. They require minimal effort, but reward with an abundance of blooms that last throughout the season. Additionally, impatiens are perfect for shady areas and are considered one of the best container plants for such conditions.
If you’re growing impatiens, you may come across the issue of yellowing leaves. To help you keep these beautiful flowers looking their best all summer, we’ve consulted with gardening experts to explain why this occurs and how to prevent it. Impatiens, also known as busy Lizzies, are a popular choice for their colorful blooms in shades ranging from red and pink to orange, violet, and white. They thrive in partially shaded areas and can tolerate full shade, making them one of the best shade plants around. Despite being low maintenance, impatiens can still have issues with healthy green leaves turning yellow. Here are the reasons why and tips on avoiding it.
One common cause of yellowing impatiens leaves is old age. According to Steve Bradley, an expert from Amateur Gardening, it’s normal for lower leaves on plants to turn yellow and fall off. This is because they’re no longer contributing to the plant’s growth or wellbeing. Leaves that are fully or partially shaded tend to fall off more quickly.
If you notice young impatiens leaves turning yellow, it could be an indication of a problem. On one hand, it could be a lack of nutrition or watering issue. However, if the leaves start to yellow from the top down, it is likely due to too much sunlight. On the other hand, yellowing leaves can also be caused by pests and diseases. Nematodes are a common pest that can cause yellowing of the leaves. In this case, it is best to dig up the affected plant and dispose of it. Another culprit is botrytis blight, a fungus that can cause not only yellowing but also wilting of flowers and weak stems. To treat this, cut away the infected parts of the plant and prepare a 10% bleach solution to mist the plant. Yellowing leaves can also result from downy mildew, which starts with brown spots and eventually turns the leaves yellow. Lastly, verticillium wilt is a fungus that attacks the soil first before affecting the plant, causing yellowing of leaves. In both cases, the best course of action is to remove and destroy the infected plants.
To provide proper nutrition for impatiens plants, it’s recommended to add compost or slow release fertilizer during planting. If growing in containers, frequent fertilization may be necessary. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5, humus rich, and well-drained. It’s crucial to maintain the optimal balance when watering impatiens to prevent yellowing of leaves. Overwatering or underwatering can cause harm to the plants, leading to unhealthy foliage. Therefore, keep an eye on the water intake of impatiens to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
Overwatering impatiens can lead to waterlogged roots and poor nutrient absorption, which may cause yellow leaves. Conversely, underwatering deprives the plant of adequate water, resulting in dehydration and stress, affecting crucial processes like photosynthesis and leading to yellowing leaves. To avoid these problems, it’s essential to strike the right balance when watering impatiens. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and check moisture levels regularly by sticking a finger into the soil. If the soil is dry to a depth of one inch, it’s time to water your impatiens.
