Growing Impatiens from Cuttings – Water Propagation

February 23, 2019 Yasmeen 0 Comments GROW IMPATIENS, IMPATIENS, ROOT IMPATIENS, WATER PROPAGATION

Owing to their gorgeous looks, Impatiens are often thought of as high-maintenance and difficult to grow. But, as delicate as Impatiens appear to be be, they are actually really easy to propagate from cuttings. While it is incredibly easy to grow impatiens from seeds, for the beginner gardener, it is easier to take some cuttings & propagate them easily. Just buy some healthy large ones as the season begins & grow more of them quickly from cuttings – in soil or in water.

P.S. Looking for a bedding plant to grow in shade? Impatiens are the perfect choice!!

Propagate Impatiens Cuttings

Take 3″-4″ long cuttings & clean the stems. Leave a few leaves on the top. Try to cut thicker straight stems.
Prepare soil in a shaded spot. I chose a large moringa pot kept in a corner. Make sure the soil drains well. Impatiens rot very very easily if kept in wet soil.
Till the soil nicely & remove all stones, debris etc.
Water the soil first. This helps the seedlings hold well and not fall when watered after planting.
Since Impatiens have thin delicate stems, they break easily. Hence, poke holes in the soil first. The cuttings should not be pushed forcefully into the soil.
Insert the cuttings about 2″ into the soil.
Water lightly again.
Wait. Keep checking if they need water – only if the soil looks dry or leaves appear wilted. DO NOT OVERWATER.
The cuttings are ready when you see new growth.
Do not be in a hurry to transplant. Smaller cuttings die easily even if they have rooted so let the plants fill out first.

It is also easy to grow Impatiens from seeds. For a a complete seed-sowing guide, CLICK HERE.

Grow Impatiens in Water

It is also easy to propagate Impatiens in water.

Take some cuttings in the same manner as mentioned above.
Fill a plastic/glass container with water till almost the top. Make sure it is transparent.
Cover it with cling wrap. This helps the Impatiens cuttings to float easily and keep the stems emerged in water.
Poke holes through the cling wrap. The holes should only be as big as the stems & not more.
Insert the cuttings through the holes.
Keep at a well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.
They will root in a few days.
When the impatiens cuttings seem to have rooted nicely, move them carefully to a shaded spot first, in soil.
Allow the plants to mature before planting in flower beds or pots.