To investigate the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on growth and biochemical defense responses of plant, garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.) was subjected to four levels of SAR based on pH (5.6, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0) and placed in the growth chambers for 2 weeks. SAR drastically inhibited both height and dry weight of garden balsam. The content of total carotenoid was tended to decrease, but the level of malondialdehyde was significantly increased by SAR. As the pH levels decreased from 5.6 to 2.0, the content of dehydroascorbate and oxidized glutathione of the plant were significantly increased. The enzyme (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase etc.) activities of the plant affected by SAR were increased as the pH decreased. The results indicate that garden balsam may receive oxidative stresses by the application of SAR and by which the plant growth can be significantly retarded. A biochemical protective mechanism might be activated to nullify the oxidative stresses generated through SAR.