Dwarf (Mimosa pudica) “Sensitive Plant” Seeds
Mimosa pudica earned its nickname “sensitive plant” from its reaction to stimulation. Its leaflets quickly turn inward when touched or shaken. The reason is up for debate. One explanation is that it is a form of predatory defense, exposing the thorn-covered stems. It makes a Great Indoor Houseplant With plenty of light and lots of water, even an amateur houseplant hobbyist can enjoy the delicate foliage and unique movement of sensitive plant in the home. The leaves of a sensitive plant are lined with tiny hairs that are highly responsive to touch, temperature, and motion, folding inwards when triggered. The plant also closes its leaves at night. This response to various forms of stimulation is a part of this plant’s natural defense mechanism. Sensitive plant has delicate, fern-like leaves and light purple flowers that resemble small pom-poms. Young plants grow upwards but quickly develop an outward creeping habit. Sensitive plants are not very shade-tolerant. They thrive with eight hours of daylight and can tolerate partial shade, but languish badly in full shade. When growing them indoors, the ideal location is directly in front of or beside a bright sunny window. If the leaflets remain closed during the day, it indicates that the plant is not receiving enough light. Well-draining, loamy soil is ideal for a sensitive plant growing in the landscape; its roots cannot survive in severely compacted soil. Enhance the soil with peat moss to improve drainage. In its natural environment, the sensitive plant lives in soils that are low in nutrients. Therefore, it does not require overly rich soil or frequent fertilizing. When grown as a houseplant, a standard commercial potting mix is a good growing medium. Keep the soil consistently moist for a sensitive plant but not waterlogged. The sensitive plant cannot handle wet feet and will develop root rot if left sitting in excess water. As a general principle, water a sensitive plant once the top of the soil begins to dry out. Water sensitive plant a little more sparingly in the winter. Potted specimens thrive in typical indoor temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees. The sensitive plant enjoys moderate to high humidity. Unless your house is particularly dry, the average household humidity should be sufficient for a sensitive plant. In regions where winter air is especially dry, run a humidifier close by or place the sensitive plant pot on top of a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase humidity.
Outdoors Zones 9-11
Sensitive Plant Germination:
1) Rub seeds with a piece of sandpaper to scarify.
2) Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
3) Press seeds into a well mixed & draining seed starting mix, but do not cover them completely as they need light to germinate.
4) Use a heated propagator mat to keep the soil at 75 degrees F., and keep them exposed to bright light.
5) When kept at 75 degrees F., expect germination to occur within 21-40 days. Cooler temperatures will result in longer germination time.
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