Description
Mimosa pudica, known as Common Sensitive Plant, is a fascinating plant native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It is well known for its unique ability to respond to touch or movement by folding its leaves inward and drooping, a phenomenon called thigmonasty or seismonasty.
This rapid movement is thought to be a defense mechanism against herbivores or environmental stressors. Even without stimuli, its leaves naturally open in daylight and close at night, a behaviour known as nyctinasty.
It is a sprawling, perennial ground cover plant or small shrub, growing about 15-45cm tall. It can also be treated as an annual in colder climates. Being a legume, Mimosa pudica can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility. Its unique sensitivity and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
In traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda, Mimosa pudica has been used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is also used for treating diarrhoea, managing wounds and ulcers, and alleviating joint pain and inflammation.
- Common name.
Mimosa; Sensitive plant; Touch-Me-Not; Shameplant; Sleeping Grass.
- Specifications.
50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant
Ideal Growing Conditions.
Mimosa pudica prefers full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils but is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor soils. Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates but can also grow as a potted indoor plant in temperate regions.
Pruning: Mimosa pudica requires minimal pruning. However, occasional trimming can help maintain a compact, bushy appearance and encourage new growth.
Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests like scale, mealybugs, aphids or spider mites. Mimosa pudica is generally a hardy plant, but it can occasionally be affected by common sap-sucking insects and other garden pests, particularly when grown in warm, humid conditions or indoors. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil
Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.
We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.
Fertiliser:Â
Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser
The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food
We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.
We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.
Other species that may interest you
Anadenanthera colubrina var cebil (Vilca) Plant
Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree) Plant
Agonis flexuosa (Western Australia Peppermint Tree) Plant
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