Overwintering Impatiens, Geraniums, and Begonias Indoors: Propagation by Water Cuttings and Pest Prevention

Indoor Care Basics (Zone 5)

• Bright south/east windows; grow lights help.
• Water sparingly — only when dry.
• Trim dead/stretched growth.

Propagation: Water Method (Best Success)

1. Take 3–4 inch tip cuttings (“slips”).
2. Place 5–10 in a glass of water; keep tops dry.
3. Roots appear in 2–3 weeks.
4. Let roots grow dense (2–3 inches), trim if long.
5. Pot in 1:2 potting soil:vermiculite.
6. Gradually increase soil ratio as plants grow.

Plant-Specific Tips

• Impatiens: Prune hard to 4 inches → bushy regrowth. Root all trimmings.
• Geraniums: Bloom all winter if bright. Pinch for shape.
• Begonias: Don’t cut back hard. Root longer stems in water with a little soil added over time.

Critical Pest Step

Jobe’s Plant Spikes with Insecticide in each pot — kills soil pests (fungus gnats, aphids) at source.

Green Sand?

Not a standard rooting medium. Stick with vermiculite/perlite.