Growing Mimosa Pudica Plants: How To Care For Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica is a short-lived perennial or spiny annual belonging to the Mimosa genus and a member of the Fabaceae or the Legume, bean, or pea family.

The Fabaceae is a large family of economically important flowering plants, comprising 670 genera and about 20,000 perennial or annual herbaceous plants, shrubs, herbs, and trees. This makes Mimosa pudica a close relative to alfalfa, acacias, peas, soybeans, lentils, peanuts, and many more.

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This creeping shrub is native to the tropics of South and Central America, including the Caribbean. However, it has been introduced to many countries as an ornamental plant in Australia. South and East Asia, South and West Africa.

And this plant was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum. Moreover, the specific epithet, pudica, originated from the Latin word, which means “shrinking” or “bashful,” referencing the plant’s leaf shrinking action when touched.

Mimosa pudica is well known for its leaves’ fascinating leaf movement. The plant’s feathery leaves curl up, and the stems droop when touched. 

Also, the plant features fluffy pale purple flowers resembling pom-poms.

This feature is why it earned its common name, Sensitive plant, among gardeners and horticulturalists. 

Other names for Mimosa pudica include:

• Action plant
• Humble plant
• Live-and-die plant
• Sensible plant
• Shame plant
• Touch-me-not
• Sleepy plant

Moreover, Mimosa pudica received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit in the UK. 

Quick Tips On Mimosa Pudica

• Family: Fabaceae
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Temperature: 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
• Water: Consistently moist but not soggy
• Fertilizer: Diluted to half-strength high-potassium liquid fertilizer 
• Propagation: Seeds or stem cuttings
• Common Problems: Mimosa webworms, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips

Mimosa Pudica Care

Caring for the Mimosa pudica is relatively easy once you learn about its needs. Here are the aspects to consider when growing them in your garden.

How Big Does The Sensitive Plant Grow?

Young sensitive plants typically grow upwards but soon develop a creeping habit once they mature.

These plants often reach 18″ inches tall and 1′ to 5′ feet wide in their first growing season.

Moreover, Mimosa pudica fast growth rate, reaching its ultimate height within 1 to 2 years.

When Does The Sensitive Plant Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?

The sensitive plant features fern-like leaves and pretty purple flowers resembling pom-poms that bloom in summer, followed by pods that you can seed.

It’s widespread in gardens due to its fascinating feature called rapid plant movement that occurs when it’s touched. When in contact, the leaves curl up in a shrinking motion, and the stem drops.

This happens because tiny hairs on the leaves’ surfaces are sensitive to temperature, touch, and motion, folding when triggered. 

The feature is due to the quick water release from special cells at the leaf stalks and leaflet bases. However, after a couple of minutes, the leaflets will automatically reopen. 

Think of this action as the plant’s defense mechanism from harm. 

Aside from being sensitive to physical contact, the sensitive plant also fold naturally at night; a mechanism called nyctinastic movement. However, the leaves reopen again when daylight sets in. 

What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?

Sensitive plants thrive in full sun or partial shade locations, with about eight hours of daylight. However, they cannot tolerate full shade.

The ideal temperature for growing this plant should be around 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit. Also, be careful not to grow these plants at any temperature between 75° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit because this may trigger the leaves to close.

Moreover, a west or south-facing windowsill is ideal if you will grow this plant indoors. It will also need humidity, so it is ideal for growing this plant in a bathroom or kitchen.

One sign Mimosa pudica is receiving insufficient light is when the leaflets remain closed during the day.

In addition, this plant is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 13.

How And When To Water And Fertilize The Sensitive Plant?

When watering sensitive plants in spring and summer, it’s best to keep the water moist but not waterlogged. This is because excess water can cause root rot when left sitting.

During winter, water your plant sparingly.

For fertilizer application, you can feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.

For an extra boost, you can use a diluted half-strength high-potassium liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. However, ensure to water your plant first before feeding it to avoid burning the roots.

What Is The Best Soil For Mimosa Pudica, And When Should You Transplant?

The ideal soil for Mimosa pudica is moist, well-draining loamy soil. Be careful not to plant it in compacted soil because root rot may occur, and roots cannot survive there.

You can use peat moss to improve drainage if you have poor soil. Moreover, a standard commercial potting mix is an excellent growing medium when grown as a houseplant.

If you notice your sensitive plant roots poking out of the pot’s drainage holes, it’s time to transplant the plant. Do this several times a year, or every time it outgrows the pot.

Does Mimosa Pudica Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?

It is necessary to prune your sensitive plant to keep its appearance bushy and full. This also helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy. You can prune it any time of the year.

Moreover, you can also trim off Mimosa pudica’s trailing stems to keep it looking nice. Also, it’s good to train this plant to climb a trellis since it’s a creeping plant.

How To Propagate A Touch-Me-Not Plant?

Touch-Me-Not plants can be propagated via two methods:

• Seeds
• Stem cuttings

If you plan to propagate Touch-Me-Not plants using stem cutting, here’s what you need to do:

• First, cut a 4- to 6-inch healthy stem tip with at least one exposed leaf node.
• Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with a seed starting mix or a combination of peat moss and perlite.
• Cover the pot with clear plastic or plastic bag and place it in a warm, bright spot.
• The cutting will root in one to four weeks and can be planted in a larger pot or in the garden.

Propagating Touch-Me-Not plants by seed may need a bit of encouragement to germinate, but it’s the most reliable method to grow new plants. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Sow seeds from the Touch-Me-Not plants from the dried seed pods left after the flowers have faded.
• In spring, scratch the seed’s tough exterior with a sharp knife and soak them in water overnight.
• Plant the seeds in small pots with moistened potting mix and cover them with additional potting mix.
• Place the pot in a warm sunny location.

In this method, germination usually takes only about one week.

Mimosa Pudica Pests And Diseases

Mimosa Pudica is generally pest and disease-free. However, insects may occasionally attack this plant. 

Some of these pests include:

• Mimosa webworms
• Mealybugs
• Spider mites
• Thrips

You can spray the infected plant with a non-toxic horticultural oil to eliminate these common houseplant pests.

Uses Of Sensitive Plant

Due to its delicate leaves that curl when touched and fluffy, attractive purple pom-pom-like flowers, Mimosa pudica makes an excellent houseplant to decorate your indoors. 

It’s also relatively easy to grow and can be used as a landscape plant or ground cover.