Micronutrients

• Micronutrients are used by plants and animals for growth and other physical processes. One micronutrient used by plants (including impatiens) is nitrogen. Impatiens do not require as many micronutrients as other species do, but because impatiens often are grown in pots, they sometimes need to have the micronutrients put back into the soil in order to thrive. If you do not plan to use fertilizer, then you can add up to 150 ppm (parts per million) nitrogen and potassium, as well as up to 75 ppm phosphorus. This should be given every third watering, and since you should water impatiens once or twice a month, this translates to rejuvenating the soil every month and a half to three months. You may find that micronutrient levels need more or less adjustment based on the number of plants and type of potting soil. Be aware that, even if you add the normal amount of micronutrients, a lower soil pH increases the risk of micronutrient toxicity. Putting too many micronutrients into the soil is also harmful, as it can cause leaf necrosis and compromise the structure of the plant.
  
  

Fertilizer

• Use fertilizer to feed impatiens when you do not add micronutrients separately. Liquid varieties are better for impatiens than powdered kinds, because liquid fertilizers have a lower concentration of micronutrients, which impatiens prefer. You can apply the liquid fertilizer to the soil so that the roots absorb it, but you also can apply it to the leaves of the plant (foliar method). The foliar method is more efficient than having the fertilizer taken up by the roots and can get nutrients to the plant that aren't usually found in the soil. Do foliar fertilization once or twice a month, particularly during times that are stressful for the plant (e.g., blooming), and do so in the morning or evening so that the plant absorbs the fertilizer most efficiently. Since there are many different types of fertilizer available, however, always follow the directions listed on the product that you purchase. You can use natural fertilizers such as manure; you do not need to put a chemically based fertilizer on your impatiens if you do not want to do so. Just make sure that the fertilizer delivers the micronutrients in the correct amount to the plant.
  
  

Light

• Make sure the impatiens gets the right amount of light. Although light is not a "food" for the impatiens, it is necessary to carry out the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts the energy of light into sugars that the plant can use for energy. Impatiens are shade loving plants, so do not "feed" them too much light. Doing so can dry out the soil and scorch the leaves of the plant. Too little light will starve the plant, since it will not be able to go through photosynthesis.