Mimosa pudica, also known by the common name of sensitive plant, is an intriguing member of the legume family that features attractive, fern-like leaves that quickly close up when touched lightly. Mimosa pudicas grow up to 18 inches tall and make nice indoor or outdoor plants, with one caveat: they are poisonous, and should be kept away from small children and animals.In addition to the plant's pretty leaves, it develops pink or purple blooms in summer that look like small puff balls. The plant does well outdoors anywhere the temperatures don't go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As an indoor plant, it likes a sunny window, but may require pruning to keep it from getting leggy. Some of the highlights of this plant include:
Attractive leaves that close up when touched.
Pink or purple flowers appear during summer.
Does well outside in warm regions, and is an attractive houseplant in colder areas.
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Native to tropical regions, Mimosa pudica needs at least 8 hours of sun daily.
Watering
Likes moist soil, but will develop root rot if overwatered.
Fertilizing
Benefits from regular feedings with a high-potassium fertilizer that’s diluted to half strength.
Planting and Care
by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 2, 2021
Planting instructions
Most Mimosa pudica plants are grown indoors from seeds — purchase your seeds from a reliable source. You can help the seeds along by nicking the hard exterior shell on the seed with a knife or razor, being careful not to cut too far into the body of the seed. Place seeds in a medium-sized pot (an eight inch diameter pot is a good starting size) filled with a potting medium such as seed starting mix or a soil mixture formulated for house plants. Lightly cover with one-eighth inch of the soil.
Water the soil thoroughly, until it’s damp but not puddling. Place the pot on a windowsill that gets bright sunlight, or under grow lights. Your seeds should germinate in two to four weeks.
Watering and nutrients
Mimosa pudica likes moist soil, so water it whenever the soil has dried out. Be careful, however, not to overwater. Avoid standing water on top of the soil. Your plant also likes an environment with high humidity. If it doesn’t appear to be thriving, you may be able to help it by placing it near a humidifier or on top of a layer of pebbles in a tray of water.
To feed your Mimosa pudica, use a fertilizer designed for houseplants that is higher in potassium. Dilute it to half strength and feed every two weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons.
Pruning
Mimosa pudica is a creeper — it may start by growing upright when it’s small, but it will eventually fall over and grow in a more horizontal manner unless it is given a trellis to grow on. If you don’t wish it to follow that pattern, you will need to prune it back regularly. This will also keep it from getting leggy and keep it full and bushy. You can prune it at any time of year.
Pests, diseases, and animals
Spider mites may be attracted to your Mimosa pudica, but probably won’t do much damage. Other common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and thrips may also show up. You can treat them with a product designed for houseplants to keep infestations under control.
Although Mimosa pudica is not particularly disease-prone, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as pyrethrum blight and fusarium wilt. If you see evidence of fungus on your plant, prune away the affected areas and be careful to avoid standing water in the container.
Achieving maximum results
If you live in a tropical or semi-tropical region in the southern U.S. where temperatures are rarely below 60 degrees, you can experiment with growing Mimosa pudica outside. It should do well in any loamy, well-draining soil that is amended with compost. Try starting the seeds indoors, and transplanting them outside once the seedlings are several inches high. The plants will be short-lived, but may reseed themselves if allowed to flower and go to seed.
FAQs
What causes the leaves of my Mimosa pudica to close up?
When you touch the leaves, the plant releases chemicals that cause the water pressure in the cells to drop. Researchers believe this reaction is the plant’s defense against animals that might eat it. This defence mechanism also happens if there is fire near the plant.
Does touching the plant to see the leaves fold up damage it?
Not unless you do it constantly. The leaves also close up at night, so there is a daily occurrence of the leaf folding process. A gentle touch now and then won’t harm the plant. It’s best, however, not to do it over and over again in a short period of time, which will stress the plant unnecessarily.
Are Mimosa pudica plants invasive in the garden?
If you live in an area warm enough for Mimosa pudica to grow outdoors, be aware that they are enthusiastic self-seeders and will spread over time, both through self-seeding and because of their creeping habit.
How long will a container-grown Mimosa pudica live?
Indoor Mimosa pudica plants may live for several years, but they tend to get lanky and unkempt looking after a year or so. This can sometimes be controlled by pruning them back, but many gardeners find it easy just to start new plants every year or so.
Item arrived timely, and in good condition. We have planted "her" yet, but in the pot by the side of the house, she is growing already and loving our environment. Can't wait to get her in the ground! Thank you so much.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 4, 2021 at 2:14pm
So Far So Good
Tree arrived healthy. We planted it in our front yard and so far it looks good.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 29, 2021 at 3:35pm
Great!
Thank you for the speedy service, Elvis. Arrived on time and just what the kids‚ wanted.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 19, 2021 at 9:59am
Healthy Mimosa Tree Sapling
Excellent - shipped fast and safely. Just planted and already seeing green shoots for new limbs starting.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer March 29, 2021 at 4:33pm
Excellent
My overall experience with this item and this company has been extremely satisfying. The packages arrived intact and the trees were well protected. Earlier I had contacted customer services and I received my answer promptly and cordially. I am a very happy customer.. thanks
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 23, 2020 at 1:21am
Mimosa tree
the tree arrived in a tall box well packed and protected. The tree was about 3 ft tall and had no damaged. We planted it and it is doing great.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer June 3, 2020 at 4:15am
Mimosa tree
My daughter loved it. I would order from you again
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 15, 2020 at 5:27pm
Mimosa Tree
I absolutely love mimosa trees and am very excited about growing one. When it arrived, the leaves were very wilted. I checked the bark, and it was still green. I have planted it in my backyard, but I have not seen any new growth yet. I am helping it will survive. :)
Deer Resistant
Mature height
20-25 ft.
Mature width
10-20 ft.
Sunlight requirement
Full Sun
Growth rate
Fast
Botanical name
Albizia julibrissin Durazz
Shipping exclusions
AZ,FL,OR
Grows Well In Zones
6-10
Growing Zones: 6-10 i
Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
Mimosa Tree at Fast Growing Trees
Healthy Mimosa Tree Sapling
