This perennial shrub is very responsive to touch.
The plant also closes its leaves at night.
This response, called thigmomorphogenesis, is part of the plants natural defense mechanism.
aLittleSilhouetto / Getty Images
Sensitive Plant Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing a sensitive plant.
The plant’s seed pods have clinging burrs, which allow the seeds to travel long distances.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
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.
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.
Water
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 inexcess water.
As a general principle, water a sensitive plant once the top of the soil begins to dry out.
Water-sensitive plants 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.
Fertilizer
Sensitive plants occur naturally in nutrient-poor soil, so fertilization is generally not required.
Always ensure that you water a sensitive plant before fertilizing it to avoid burning the delicate roots.
Types of Sensitive Plant
There are no named cultivars of sensitive plant commonly available.
Where it is grown at all, it is the species form that is cultivated.
Another plant in the genus,Mimosa tenuifloraeorM.
hostilis(Mimosa tree) is a small landscape tree that can be grown in zones 9 to 12.
Pruning
Prune a sensitive plant regularly to keep it full and bushy rather than leggy.
you could prune a sensitive plant any time of the year.
It’s time to transplant this plant when you notice the roots poking out of the drainage holes.
You may need to do this several times in a single year.
Choose a self-watering planter with drainage holes.
It’s natural to see leaves drooping after repotting; give it some timethe plant will bounce back.
Many growers plant new seeds each year, discarding the old plants after they flower.
Overwintering
Sensitive plants are considered perennial, but indoors, they deteriorate after blooming.
Common Pests
Several pests are common to sensitive plants.
Sensitive plants are also susceptible to other common houseplant pests such asmealybugsandthrips.
Spraying with a non-toxic horticultural oil is an effective treatment for these common houseplant pests.
Fortunately, sensitive plants are not especially prone to any diseases.
How Long Does Sensitive Plant Bloom?
What Do Sensitive Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
These fuzzy pink-purple pompom flowers do not have a distinctive smell.
A lack of flowers can also be triggered by temperature extremes.
have a go at keep the plant in the ideal 65- to 75-degree range.
Plants that spend time in extreme temperatures will often refuse to flower.
Caring for Sensitive Plant After It Blooms
This plant declines after it blooms indoors.
There is no need to deadhead.
Simply save seeds and replant if you desire.
Efforts to prolong its life usually have little effect.
Yellow or Brown Leaves
Yellowing or browning of the leaves can have a variety of causes.
Mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby.
When the lower leaves turn yellow, the plant may be overwatered.
This flow creates pressure that causes those cells to collapse or expand, making the leaflet squeeze shut.
Left undisturbed the leaflet slowly opens again after a few minutes.
New plants can spring up miles away from the parent plant years after the parent plant has died.
This perennial wildflower is native to the southeastern United States and is an important pollinator plant.
It is grown from seed and can even be planted in place of a lawn.
Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant).
Ooh, That Smell: Plants Use Emissions as Self-Defense.University at AlbanyState University of New York.
Light, Temperature and Humidity.
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
4, 2020, pp.
