Overwintering Impatiens and Geraniums Indoors: Realistic Expectations

A gardener roots impatiens cuttings all summer but finds them too large by fall, and geraniums brought indoors get leggy and struggle. The honest answer: both are challenging indoors, and there's no perfect fix.

Impatiens

They grow well on a bright winter windowsill but are spider mite magnets due to low indoor humidity. Mites thrive when dry air kills their natural predators. Regular misting and insecticidal soap help, but expect some decline.

Geraniums

They need intense sun to stay compact—impossible indoors. They'll stretch, get woody, and look tired. Options: take cuttings in late winter for fresh spring plants, or accept legginess and prune hard in March before moving out.

Bottom Line

Neither divides well. Propagate impatiens from cuttings each spring. For geraniums, either start new from cuttings or grow as annuals. Sometimes the best technique is knowing when to let go.