Root-Bound Hanging Impatiens: Repot or Plant in Ground for Recovery

SE Pennsylvania gardener's 'Infinity Pink Frost' impatiens in a hanging basket thrived 6 weeks, then buds slowed, inner leaves yellowed. Nursery said water daily, feed weekly with Miracle-Gro.

Root Bound = Decline

After 6 weeks in a basket, roots likely circle the pot bottom, leaving little soil to hold water/nutrients. Yellowing inner leaves and slow buds are classic signs.

Two Fixes

1. Repot: Move to larger hanging basket. Gently loosen root ball.
2. Plant in ground: Break up root ball, plant in amended soil. Water daily at first, then less as roots expand. Feed every 2 weeks.

Either way, replace the basket with a fresh plant. Impatiens peak in late July—don't let a root-bound basket ruin the show.