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The Sensitive Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening is a hobby that is not only enjoyable but also therapeutic.
It’s no surprise that more and more people are getting into gardening.
Some gardeners prefer to grow flowers, while others prefer vegetables or herbs.
But if you’re looking for something unique to add to your collection, you may want to consider the sensitive plant.
What is the Sensitive Plant?
The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), also known as touch-me-not, is a fascinating plant with leaves that fold inward when touched or shaken.
The leaves remain folded for a few seconds before reopening.
The sensitive plant belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and is native to Central and South America.
Care Tips for the Sensitive Plant
If you’re interested in growing a sensitive plant, here are some care tips that will help ensure its success:
- Light: The sensitive plant prefers bright light but can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill your plants.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during spring and summer while actively growing.
- Potting medium: A well-draining potting mix works best for this plant type as it helps prevent moisture build-up in roots leading to fungal disease development
- Temperature:The ideal temperature range for Mimosa pudica lies between 60-85°F (16-29°C).
Don’t expose them below 50°F/10°C temperatures or drafty areas as it can cause harm to plant tissues.
- Humidity: Sensitive plants prefer moderate levels of humidity.
You can place a tray of water near the plant, mist regularly or use a humidifier to maintain desired humidity level.
Propagation
You can propagate sensitive plants through seeds or cuttings.
If you’re starting with seeds, you need to soak them in water for one day before planting them.
Keep the soil moist and warm for successful germination, which usually takes 10-14 days
Cuttings too are an easy way of propagating Mimosa pudica.
Cut a stem from matured plant (4-6 inches long) and remove leaves that will be below soil line.Insert into well-draining potting mix and then keep it in a bright and warm location where temperature stays around 70°F(21°C).
Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist but not too wet.
Pests and Diseases
Sensitive plants don’t have many problems with pests or diseases, but they are susceptible to spider mites when grown indoors under low humidity conditions.Clean foliage occasionally by wiping off dust etc using damp cloth helps prevent pest infestations.
In Conclusion
The sensitive plant is an intriguing addition to any garden or indoor space.The right care tips including appropriate light ,watering schedule,fertilization,potting medium selection,tips on temperature,humidity levels while growing this special kind of plant will ensure its growth success.With proper care regimen mentioned above,your sensitive plants should thrive, delighting you with their unique leaf-folding behavior!
