Always popular, this houseplant gets its common name from its bright, red-and-yellow flowers which do bring to ming the colourful tropical birds. Think of its tropical environment when putting this plant in your house; it loves warmth, but doesn't want to be near a heater that will dry it out. The right conditions will also help it flower year on year, so if you love those colours, be sure to keep it well nourished and watered! Choose this plant for its gorgeous flowers and stylish, upright growth and it will repay your care with its vibrancy. Scientific Name Impatiens niamniamensis (impatient plant, species from Niam-Niam, Central African Republic)
Common Name Parrot Impatiens, Parrot Plant, Congo Cockatoo
Origin Native to tropical Africa, from Cameroon to Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Light Bright, indirect light is best; while they like bright light, they can dehydrate and burn in too much direct sun. Water Water when the top inch or so of soil has dried out.
Humidity This tropical plant loves high humidity, but average household humidity should also be fine. Make sure it is not in a draught or too near an operating heater.
Soil Grow in moist, well-draining soil; one with added coir and perlite, such as soil designed for Calatheas and Marantas, will work well here. Repot every year or so, as the plant grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. If your plant is struggling to flower, a fertiliser high in potassium will help. Temperature Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips To help it get through winter and better flower the following year, reduce watering, fertilising and allow it to be slightly cooler (though still not much lower than 15°C where possible!). This will help it have a dormancy period and recover for the next growing and flowering period.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.