Variegated Impatiens Dropping Buds Indoors: Soil Exhaustion and Stress Factors

Violet grows variegated impatiens indoors for years. This year buds drop before opening. East sun. Saved soil outside over winter.

Troubleshooting (C.L.)

Bud drop = plant stress. Causes:

• Soil drying out or staying too wet.
• Fertilizing dry soil or too concentrated.
• Old potting soil: nutrient-poor, broken down, poor aeration, clogged drainage.
• Salt buildup from synthetic fertilizer.
• Environmental changes: shadier? cloudier? different waterer? plants tired?

Fix: Refresh soil with new mix/compost/bark, chop old roots, clean pots. Or take new cuttings, start fresh with new soil.