The fast closing of the leaves of the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) when you touch them is what gives it its name. The plant is also known as the shame plant, shy plant, or touch-me-not, and its Latin name means “bashful.” Mimosa pudica is a low-maintenance houseplant that thrives in bright light and has feathery compound leaves.
How to care for the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa Pudica): Bright, direct sunlight, well-draining moist soil, and high humidity are ideal growing conditions for the sensitive plant. You should feed the Mimosa pudica every two weeks, and the ideal room temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 30°C). For the best results, place it on a sunny windowsill.
What is Mimosa Pudica (Sensitive Plant)?
Mimosa pudica is a flowering plant (in some zones) in the Fabaceae botanical family that folds its leaves rapidly and reopens after a few minutes. Peas, legumes, and beans are all members of the same family as the sensitive plant. The way Mimosa pudica’s delicate green leaves react to touch is a fascinating feature.
The young leaves have between 10 and 26 pairs of leaflets and appear to be like tiny fern leaves. In June and July, delicate pink blooms with a pale pink or purple hue appear, resembling puffballs. Between 0.3″ and 0.4″ (8–10 mm) in diameter, the fuzzy globular flower heads are.
A creeping plant type (Mimosa pudica) is sensitive plants. For full-sun ground coverage, mimosa plants are a good option. Other plants wilt in the hot sun, so the thick green leaves help to conceal these areas. They aren’t suitable in everyplace, however, due to their invasive, weedy nature.
Sensitive plants are great houseplants, in addition to being plants that flourish outdoors in warm environments. If you put these indoor plants in a sunny area and mist them frequently, they are simple to care for. Other common names for this ‘sensitive plant’ include: due to the way the leaves react to touch.
- Shy plant
- Tickle me plant
- Zombie plant
- Shameplant
- Humble plant
- Sleeping Plant
- Chui Mui (Hindi)
How do the leaves of the mimosa plant respond to touch?
The popularity of mimosa plants stems from their unusual response to touch. The leaflets close in on the stem when they are touched. If you blow on them or shake them, you can see the same effect.
Why do mimosa plants close? Turgor pressure is the force exerted by moisture in microscopic cells. The leaves are kept vertical by this pressure. Moisture in the leaflets flows out when there is any disturbance, such as touch or airflow. The leaves close in on the stem as a result of this pressure loss.
The plant’s tendency to go dormant and appear wilted is thought to be a protective mechanism. Scientists, on the other hand, are perplexed as to why ‘touch-me-not’ plants do this.
How to Care for Mimosa Pudica (Shameplant)
When it comes to caring for shameplants, they are houseplants that are simple to cultivate; nevertheless, they have certain demands. Your tropical houseplants will survive indoors if you care for them properly.
Light Requirements for Mimosa Plants
Sensitive plants need a lot of bright light and some direct sunlight to thrive properly. Mimosa plants need a lot of bright light and some direct sunlight. Eeast- or west-facing windowsills are an great location for them to get enough sun. Every summer, since the location receives enough sunlight, the leaves stay open and flower.
Direct sunlight will be plentiful on a south-facing windowsill. You should also make sure that the leaves aren’t scorched by too much sunlight. Move the plant 3 feet (1 meter) away from the window if you notice that leaves are beginning to yellow. It’s possible that moisture levels are the issue if you’re still having yellow leaves problems.
The leaves of your mimosa plant may not open properly if it does not receive enough light. Therefore, relocate your plant to a more exposed location if it is constantly looking ‘shy and humble. Sensitive plants’ leaves close in the evening, similar to those of a prayer plant (maranta).
Best Soil for Sensitive Plant
Mimosa pudica plants need well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and an aerated potting mix. Mix two parts peat moss, two parts loamy soil, and one part perlite to create the optimum potting medium for delicate plants. This soil composition keeps the soil from compacting too much. For your plant’s health, you’ll need an appropriate potting combination for your ‘touch-me-not’ plants. Your plant will suffer from root rot and/or diseases if the soil becomes soggy or waterlogged.
A layer of pebbles on the bottom of the container is another way to prevent drainage problems with your sensitive plant. Also, make sure there are adequate drainage holes to allow water to flow out. Don’t leave your tropical plant in a saucer of water.
How to Water a Mimosa Plant (Sensitive Plant)
Water your tropical houseplant until the water drains out the bottom to watering a touch-me-not indoor plant. For mimosa plant care, deep watering is required. The amount of water needed by a sensitive plant is determined by the soil’s moisture. Before watering, wait until the soil is mostly dry. Many variables influence the length of time between watering.
In hot weather, for example, soil dries quicker than in mild weather. Moreover, mimosa houseplants in terracotta pots release more moisture than plastic containers. You’ll need to mist the leaves more often in the winter, but watering less frequently is required. Mimosa pudica plants are therefore susceptible to moisture. Yellow leaves and poor growth can be caused by overwatering or a lack of humidity.
Growing Mimosa Pudica Indoors: Temperature Requirements
When cultivating mimosa plants, be cautious about sudden temperature shifts. Between 60°F and 85°F (16°C and 30°C) is the optimum temperature range. Healthy development, yearly blooms, and the prevention of illness are all benefits of growing at these temperatures. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations is the most important care advice.
Sensitive plants prefer tropical nations in South and Central America for their native habitat. Tropical houseplants are usually happiest in a household environment. Keeping your Mimosa pudica plant away from cold drafts and heat sources, such as air conditioning or open windows in the winter, is the best way to care for it.
If you live in temperate regions, some plant enthusiasts advise not putting your plant on a windowsill. The ‘sensitive’ plant might be stressed by the temperature difference between day and nighttime.
Sensitive Plant Care: Humidity Needs
Sensitive plants, such as Mimosa pudica, thrive in humid environments. Mist the leaves once or twice daily, use a humidifier to increase air moisture levels, or put your mimosa plant pot on a pebble tray with water are all methods to maintain humidity levels.
When the humidity levels are suitable for your sensitive plant, it will react to your touch as a sign of a healthy, sensitive houseplant. When you decide to use a humidity tray, make sure the container sits on the pebbles, not the water. This technique keeps the soil drier and less slippy.
refrain from putting a decorative pebble layer on top of the soil to prevent additional humidity loss for your sensitive plant. It keeps the potting medium wet, while preventing moisture from evaporating onto the delicate leaves.
Fertilizer for Mimosa Plants
Half-strength fertilizer, such as tomato plant fertilizer, is needed for Mimosa pudica. From spring through to summer, dilute the fertilizer to the correct dosage and feed every two weeks. Sensitive plants benefit from the right fertilizer, which boosts their energy and helps them move their leaves.
Remember that over-feeding is just as terrible as not feeding at all when it comes to nourishing a sleepy plant. Flush the soil on a regular basis to prevent mineral salts from building up. You may accomplish this by allowing plenty of water to flow through the earth until it drains. Before feeding your plant, repeat this procedure monthly during the growing season.
Pruning a Mimosa Plant (Sensitive Plant)
To maintain sensitive plants looking lush with a bushy appearance, trim mimosa plants on a regular basis. Mimosa pudica is a creeping plant that grows tall in height over time. Your houseplant will stay looking how you want if you cut off long stems and branches.
Anytime of year, prune leggy stems. You may use a little trellis or support to give the plant some height to prevent the long trailing stems from dangling over the side of the pot.
How to Propagate Mimosa Pudica
Seeds are the most effective way to grow a delicate plant. After blooming, the pods develop seeds that you may collect. You can also purchase Mimosa pudica seeds from a trusted online seller. In the spring, sow the seeds in moist seed compost and place them there.
Soak the dried pea-like brown seeds for two or three hours before planting to get the best results from growing your sensitive plant from seed. Cover with a light layer of soil and place the seed on top of moistened seed compost. Place the seed tray in a 70°F (21°C) area with plastic cover if you have one. Seeds should take between one and four weeks to sprout. Repot seedlings into tiny individual pots when they have grown roots.
Repotting a Sensitive Plant
For a delicate indoor plant, a pot size of 5″ (13 cm) is recommended. Since they develop as annual houseplants, sensitive plants seldom need repotting.
Is Mimosa Pudica Toxic?
Dogs, cats, and other typical household pets are not harmed by sensitive plants. Mimosa pudica is categorised as a “Safe Plant” by the University of California, but there is no information on whether eating large amounts of seeds or leaves poses any health risk.
Sensitive Plant Flowers
If the growing conditions are appropriate, sensitive plants produce flowers in the mid-to-late summer. Proper care for your mimosa plant includes enough bright light, consistent sunlight, and sufficient moisture to produce a profusion of tiny pink or purple fluffball-like blooms. If your ‘touch-me-nots’ don’t bloom, don’t be concerned. They’re “sensitive” and “shy” plants that do not necessarily bloom when cultivated as houseplants, as their name suggests.
Growing Mimosa Plants Outdoors
As indoor houseplants, sensitive plants are simple to grow from seed. If you live in tropical or subtropical climates, you may also grow mimosa plants in your garden. Mimosa pudica is a perennial that grows well in hot, bright places with high humidity as an outdoor tropical plant. However, you don’t have to grow this shrubby plant outdoors because it can be grown indoors. The invasive weed that is difficult to eliminate once it gains hold is how some scientists characterize the sensitive plant.
It outnumbers the development of several native plants due to its thick groundcover. In some nations and states where it is not part of the natural environment, mimosa pudica is prohibited. As a result, growing sensitive plants as indoor houseplants is the best way to be fascinated by the leaves folding in when you touch them.
Mimosa Plant Care: Pests and Diseases
When grown indoors, there are very few pests that harm delicate plants. Spider mites are the only kind of insect you should be concerned about. Spider mites may leave little red dots on the underside of leaves or thin webs on the plant, which you may see. They should usually be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Since fungus infections need high humidity to develop, they may harm sensitive plants. To avoid these problems, make sure that the soil stays dry at all times. Also, make sure that your plant has enough air circulating around it. Keep a window open on hot summer days, but make sure the plant isn’t exposed to drafts.
Excessive or insufficient watering is often indicated by yellowing leaves that begin to fall off. Moisture levels in your soil should be checked. Wait until the upper layer of soil is practically dry before watering if it feels moist and squishy.