First, you must check my soil. My roots are likely crying out for a drink or, conversely, drowning. Impatiens are famously thirsty plants, and my shallow root system dries out rapidly. If the top inch of soil feels dry and I am wilting, I am suffering from severe dehydration. Please water me thoroughly immediately, allowing life-giving water to soak deep into the pot or bed until it runs freely from the drainage holes. However, if my soil is soggy and clumpy, and my stems feel mushy, you have loved me too much with water. Root rot has set in, suffocating my roots and preventing them from absorbing any water or nutrients, which ironically also causes me to wilt.
For dehydration, a deep, thorough watering is the first step. You may need to place my pot in a shallow basin of water for 30 minutes to allow my parched root ball to rehydrate from the bottom up. For overwatering, you must act drastically. Gently lift me from my pot. Examine my roots—healthy ones are firm and white. Snip away any that are brown, black, and slimy with sterilized shears. Repot me into fresh, well-draining potting mix, and ensure my new pot has excellent drainage. Do not water me immediately; let my traumatized roots breathe for a day in the new soil before a light watering.
Look at where I am living. While I need bright light to fuel my blooms, the intense, direct afternoon sun is simply too much for my tender leaves. It scalds me, causing my moisture to evaporate faster than my roots can replace it, leading to a wilted, sunburned appearance. Please move me to a location with bright but indirect light—dappled sunlight under a tree or a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect. Also, check for excessive heat. High temperatures, especially in a confined space like a porch, can cause heat stress and rapid wilting. Improving air circulation around me can provide significant relief.
If my basic needs of water and light are met but I still look frail, I may be starving. Flowering is an energy-intensive process that depletes the soil's nutrients. To revive my strength and encourage new growth and blooms, please feed me. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. A gentle feeding now can provide the essential nutrients I need to push out new, healthy leaves and buds. Avoid over-fertilizing, as a strong dose will shock my already weakened system and burn my remaining roots.
This step feels drastic but is vital for my survival. My wilted, yellowed, and dead leaves and flowers are a drain on my precious energy reserves. By carefully pruning these away with clean, sharp scissors, you redirect all of my limited energy into regenerating new roots and healthy growth rather into trying to sustain dying tissue. This also improves air circulation around my remaining foliage, helping to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which I am susceptible to when stressed. Do not be afraid; I will grow back bushier and stronger.
