New Guinea Impatiens vs Poker Plant Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
New Guinea Impatiens
Impatiens hawkeri
New Guinea Impatiens are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant, showy blooms and attractive foliage. They are herbaceous perennials, typically grown as annuals in cooler climates. They feature succulent stems and oval to lance-shaped leaves that can be green, bronze, or variegated. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, and white. While primarily outdoor plants, they can be grown indoors with sufficient light. People grow them for their continuous blooms and relatively easy care.
Poker Plant
Eremurus spp.
Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lilies or Desert Candles, are striking perennial plants characterized by their tall, dense flower spikes that can reach impressive heights. These plants feature a basal rosette of strap-like leaves from which the flower stalk emerges. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and densely packed along the upper portion of the stalk, creating a dramatic visual display. Eremurus are primarily outdoor plants, prized for their architectural presence in gardens. They are not typically grown indoors due to their size and specific environmental needs. People grow them for their unique and eye-catching blooms, adding vertical interest and a touch of the exotic to landscapes.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | New Guinea Impatiens | Poker Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will result in fewer flowers and leggy growth. | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 3-5 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 10-25°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 30-60 cm (indoors) | 1.2-3 meters (outdoor) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix amended with perlite or vermiculite. | Well-draining soil, such as a sandy loam with added organic matter. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly during the growing season. |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
New Guinea Impatiens
| Scientific Name | Impatiens hawkeri |
|---|---|
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Native To | New Guinea and the Solomon Islands |
| Also Known As | New Guinea Impatiens, New Guinea Impatient |
| Leaves | Oval to lance-shaped leaves, typically 5-10 cm long. The leaves can be green, bronze, or variegated with shades of yellow, cream, or pink. They have a slightly succulent texture. |
| Flowers | Yes, they can flower indoors with sufficient light. The flowers are single or double and come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, and white. They are typically 5-7 cm in diameter. |
Poker Plant
| Scientific Name | Eremurus spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Native To | Central and Western Asia |
| Also Known As | Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, King's Spear |
| Leaves | The leaves are strap-like, linear, and typically bluish-green in color. They form a basal rosette at the base of the plant and can be up to 60 cm long. |
| Flowers | Eremurus flowers outdoors in late spring to early summer. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and densely packed along the upper portion of the flower spike. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and salmon. They do not typically flower indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
New Guinea Impatiens
Poker Plant
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
New Guinea Impatiens
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings about 5-7 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and place them in water or moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Poker Plant
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide established clumps in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. Sow seeds in fall or early spring, but be aware that seedlings may take several years to flower.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens are known for their large, showy flowers and attractive foliage, which can be green, bronze, or variegated. They also tend to be more sun-tolerant than common Impatiens.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to indoor spaces.
- ✓ Provides a long blooming period.
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate.
- ✓ Can improve mood and reduce stress.
- ✓ Offers a variety of flower colors to match decor.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Poker Plant
Eremurus is unique due to its towering flower spikes, which create a dramatic and architectural presence in the garden. The dense arrangement of small, star-shaped flowers along the spike is also distinctive.
- ✓ Adds dramatic vertical interest to gardens.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Provides a unique and exotic aesthetic.
- ✓ Drought-tolerant once established.
- ✓ Can be used as a cut flower.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
New Guinea Impatiens
Poker Plant
🌞 Light Requirements
New Guinea Impatiens
Bright, indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will result in fewer flowers and leggy growth.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Poker Plant
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
New Guinea Impatiens
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain away. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and stem rot.
Poker Plant
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During the growing season (spring and early summer), water more regularly. Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves and stunted growth. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a mushy base.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
New Guinea Impatiens
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Poker Plant
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
New Guinea Impatiens
Impatiens hawkeriGardeners who want a vibrant, flowering plant for containers or garden beds, and who can provide bright, indirect light indoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant with vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
- You have a location with bright, indirect light.
- You enjoy deadheading flowers to encourage more blooms.
- You want a plant that is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings.
- You appreciate a wide variety of flower colors to choose from.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You struggle to provide consistent moisture without overwatering.
- You don't have a location with sufficient bright, indirect light.
Poker Plant
Eremurus spp.Experienced gardeners looking to add a dramatic vertical element to their outdoor landscapes.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic, vertical accent in your garden.
- You have a sunny, well-drained garden space.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a unique challenge.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You appreciate architectural plants with striking blooms.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight in your garden.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You live in a very humid climate with poor soil drainage.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
New Guinea Impatiens is rated Moderate care level, while Poker Plant is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
New Guinea Impatiens Care Tips
New Guinea Impatiens require bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. They are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. While they can be grown indoors, providing adequate light can be challenging. Regular fertilization promotes abundant blooms. Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Provide bright, indirect light to encourage blooming.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites and treat promptly.
Poker Plant Care Tips
Eremurus are primarily outdoor plants and are challenging to grow indoors due to their high light requirements and large size. They need well-draining soil and protection from excessive moisture. Indoor cultivation is not recommended.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide support for tall flower spikes in windy areas.
- Protect from slugs and snails, especially when young.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
New Guinea Impatiens
Poker Plant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
New Guinea Impatiens
What are the light requirements for New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea Impatiens prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and fade their flowers, so avoid placing them in areas with intense, prolonged sun exposure.
How do I care for New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea Impatiens thrive in partial shade with consistent moisture. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, or one formulated for blooming plants, diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks to encourage abundant blooms. Maintain a humid environment by misting the plant regularly or placing it near a humidifier.
How do I propagate New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea Impatiens are easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Division is possible when repotting larger plants, carefully separating the root ball. Keiki propagation is not applicable to New Guinea Impatiens.
Poker Plant
What are the light requirements for Poker Plant?
Poker Plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but prolonged exposure to intense midday sun can scorch their leaves. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing ample morning light without the harsh afternoon rays. A south-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent sunburn.
How do I care for Poker Plant?
Poker Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. The Poker Plant prefers well-draining potting mix. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce watering and fertilization in the fall and winter.
How do I propagate Poker Plant?
Poker Plant can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and keiki (small plantlets that grow on the flower spikes).
Last updated: May 14, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.