New Guinea Impatiens Leaves Turning Brown On Edges

Question From: N. Wight - Windham, New Hampshire, United States
Q: My white New Guinea impatiens get morning sun. I have them potted in containers on my porch. Many of the leaves are brown on the edges. I have pink New Guinea impatiens also in pots in another location. They probably get less direct sun, and are thriving. I have had the theory over the years that white flowers are "fussy." May not be so, but I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

A: I have never heard that white flowers are more fussy. They are more work because on those plants that don't self clean, the dead blossoms often turn ugly and must be removed on a regular basis. I think your New Guineas may be suffering from lack of water or fertilizer burn. If you are using a potting soil that contains fertilizer and added more they may be in overload and burned from excess salts. Those are my best guesses to the situation sight unseen. Best Nancy