Mimosa pudica: The Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica (from Latin: pudica "shy, bashful or shrinking"; also called sensitive plant, sleepy plant and the touch-me-not) is a creeping annual or perennial herb often grown for its curiosity value: the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken, to defend themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later. The species is native to South America and Central America, but is now a pantropical weed. It grows mostly in shady areas, under trees or shrubs.

Origin: Central and South Americas

Common names :

The species is known by numerous common names including 

• sensitive plant
• humble plant 
• shameful plant 
• touch-me-not 
• chuimui

Germination :

Like many plants, mimosas have pods. The seed should be removed from the platform before planting (Note: For packages of most commercially available seed, what has already been done). In the case of sensitive plant, each individual seed is in a separate platform. The pods can easily be opened much like that of a peanut shell. Press the serrated edge of the pod on opposite sides with your thumb and index finger will open the pod and seed will fall. Do this over a bowl so you do not lose any seed.

The next step is to lightly nick the seed with a sharp knife or razor blade. This allows water to penetrate the seed and start the germination process. Only a shallow cut is needed. A too deep of cut may end up damaging the seed.

Now you are ready to plant. Medium and large flowerpots filled with a house-sized general potting soil plants aim generally works well. Ensure that the pots have good drainage. Water the soil in the flower pot evenly until it starts to come out the bottom. Remove or break up large pieces of soil on the surface. Now take your seed and slightly sink into the ground. Planting depth should not be more than 2 or 3 millimeters deep. Several seeds can be planted in each pot, with a spacing therebetween of about 8 centimeters.

Place a clear plastic bag or saran wrap with a few small holes in the pot. This will act as a miniature green house to help keep moisture levels up while the seeds germinate and become established.

Place the pot on a window sill south or high power grow lights if you are starting seeds indoors.

Carefully sprinkle flower pot every two days.

You should start to see the new Sensitive Plant sprouts after only a few days.

care

Because the sensor is a tropical plant, it will not do very well outside until the weather is warm. The beginning of June or more, depending on your geographical location, is often a good time to start seeds or seedlings transplanted outdoors.

The sensitive plant also prefer to have a bit of moisture. If the air inside your home is dry, then consider keeping the plant in a humidity dome. If the air is too dry, then the sensitive plant will drop leaves as he tries to retain moisture.

Bright light. This plant loves to bright light. Use a south windowsill or HPR grow lights while indoors. When planting out, place the plants in an area that is generally sunny to slightly shady.

Place plants away from creatures like rabbits. Despite the thorns they still seem to love to munch on the leaves. But the Sensitive Plant is a fairly resilient plant and produce new branches if it receives a Chomping light.

Continue to water every two days or more. If the weather is very hot outside and then water every day. You can also add a little fertilizer like Miracle Grow diluted once a week or more.

Height: Up to 2 ft (60 cm)

Light: Bright light with some direct sun. They'll thrive under grow lights, too.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Use a humidity tray.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-75°F/18-24°C.

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix that drains well.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half while plant is growing.

Propagation: Seeds. Sow sensitive plant seed in early spring. The seed coatings are tough and need scarification to help germinate. Use a sharp knife to (gently) nick the seed coating to expose the white inside of the seed. Barely cover the seeds with potting mix. Keep the medium moist and warm. Seeds should germinate in about a week.

Prevent disease : The sensitive plant is not particularly prone to disease, but it may become infested with some common pests, such as red spider mites, mealy bugs and thrips. These can be removed by spraying the plant with a direct stream of water.

Avoid using insecticidal soaps, as these can turn the leaves of the plant black.