I live in NE Pennsylvania and I'm wondering if I can bring my impatiens indoors for the winter?

Question

They got a late start and now are just gorgeous. Will they last a few months if I bring them inside? Is there any way to "store" them for use again in the spring? Thanks

Answer 1

I, dissent from the previous answerer's.

Yes they can go inside... but why? They might have some sentimental value right now, but what if they looked 33% worse? 50% worse? 70% worse?

As you move them from outdoors to in, consider the radically different environment. They'll be moving from a high humidity to a super low humidity location. The temperatures are decreasing where they are now, whereas indoors, your heater will soon be making it warmer rather than cooler.

The shock of digging them out of the garden and putting them into pots will also be a factor (provided they aren't already in pots).

I generally recommend an acclimation period, 2-3 weeks of bringing the plants indoors by night and allowing them to remain outdoors in the daytime. Ofcourse any frost or temps below 40F can be critical.

So after all of that, they will still loose at least 30% of thier foliage and most, if not all thier flowers. By spring, if they survive, you'll have to cut them back, 50%, so they will flush new leaves and flower buds.

All this, and for $1.00 or thier abouts, you'll have 4 new plants next year to raise anew. That's the fun, not watching struggling plants try to survive the winter .

I just don't think it's worth the time/ effort.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

I'm thing of bringing mine in and putting them in the bright light of a south facing window, but not in the direct sunshine.

Answer 3

I keep them indoors every year. They have to be the most underrated house plant I know of. I once kept one for three years. RScott

Answer 4

you bet you can. They'll live happily inside all winter. They root easily in water too so you can have many many more next year.