Busy Lizzie Plant : Complete Guide And Care Tips

The Busy Lizzie Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips

Are you looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that adds color and life to your garden or indoor space? Look no further than the busy lizzie! This charming little flower comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the busy lizzie plant, from its origin to its care requirements.

What is a Busy Lizzie Plant?

The busy lizzie, also known as Impatiens walleriana, is a flowering plant native to East Africa.

It belongs to the family Balsaminaceae and was first introduced into cultivation in Europe by missionaries in the 19th century.

Care Requirements

The busy lizzie is one of the easiest plants to care for, making it ideal for those new to gardening.

Here are some key tips:

• Light: The busy lizzie thrives in bright but indirect light.

  Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.

• Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

  Avoid letting it dry out completely between watering sessions.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during growing season (typically spring through summer).
• Pests: Watch out for aphids and spider mites – they love this plant! Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Diseases: The most common disease that affects these plants is powdery mildew.

  If you see white powdery spots on your leaves, remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.

Varieties of Busy Lizzie

The busy lizzie comes in many varieties, each with its own unique characteristics.

Here are some popular types:

• New Guinea Impatiens: These plants have larger leaves and flowers than the traditional busy lizzie.

  They also come in vibrant colors like orange and pink.

• Double-flowered Impatiens: As the name suggests, these plants have double blooms that resemble tiny roses.

  They come in shades of pink, red, and white.

• Bounce Impatiens: These plants are more resistant to disease than other types of busy lizzies.

  They also bloom earlier in the season.

Growing Busy Lizzies Indoors

If you don’t have outdoor space or live in a climate where it’s too cold for these plants to thrive outdoors, you can still enjoy their beauty by growing them indoors! Here’s how:

• Potting soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well.
• Pots: Choose pots that are large enough for your plant to grow into.

  Make sure they have drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.

• Tips: You may want to keep them near windows with indirect light sources such as east-facing windows which receives sunlight most mornings but not most afternoons or low light areas like bathrooms which receive less direct sunlight but bright enough for photosynthesis process.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that adds color and life to your garden or indoor space, the busy lizzie is a great option.

Remember to keep it in bright but indirect light, water it regularly but don’t let the soil get too wet, and fertilize it every two weeks during growing season.

With proper care, this charming little flower will flourish and bring joy to any space.