Sensitive Plant Care

Native to the tropical climate of Brazil, the Mimosa plant is a popular indoor plant in North America. They are also known as the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica, modest princess, shame plant, and the very popular name, touch-me-not. The sensitive plant is a member of the Fabaceae family and is a perennial shrub. Let us have a look at sensitive plant care instructions.

Sensitive Plant Information
Sensitive plant is a popular indoor plant. It can reach a height of about 5 feet. It has very sensitive leaves that close at night and open in the morning. Children are really intrigued by these plants as they tend to fold their leaves when touched. Soon, after a few minutes the leaves will straighten up. They have fern like leaves that consists of about 25 leaflets. From summer up to fall, these plants bloom pink colored pompom flowers. They look really pretty and children love getting tickled by these flowers. Let us have a look at some sensitive plant care instructions.

Sensitive Plant Care Instructions
These trees are hardy to the USDA zone 11. They can be grown in other zones and as well as an annual plant. Sensitive plant seeds are mostly used for propagation of new seeds. You need to soak the sensitive plant seeds in hot water (not too hot) for 15 minutes. Then plant them in soil mixed with 15% organic matter. The seeds will germinate into plants within 14 days. Seeds should be planted about 1 inches apart. If you are planting seedling, they should be planted 8 inches apart.

These plants require plenty of sunshine and can survive in different soil types. You need to plant the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica in a spot that receives good sunlight. If you are carrying out container gardening, place the pots near a window that receives direct sunlight in the morning or afternoon. They love small pots as it helps prevent root rot and encourages flowering. A 3 to 5 inch pot is best for growing sensitive plant. The soil should be a mixture of 15% humus, 40% peat moss and 45% sandy soil. Keep the pots away from a cold draft and humidity should be maintained at 50%.

Another aspect related to sensitive plant care is watering. You need to water the plant when you find the top 2 inches of the soil dry. This plant is slightly drought tolerant and does not like to have wet roots. You should feed the plant with fertilizers in spring. Feed it with an 10-10-10 formula fertilizer. You should spread the fertilizer on the soil under the plant up to a distance of 1 foot. Sensitive plant diseases generally includes infestation by spider mites. These tiny bugs tend to suck out the moisture in the plant's foliage causing its death. You need to wash the plants with a strong jet from a water hose. An insecticidal soap will help get rid of these bugs for better.

These plants are very sensitive as the name suggests. Do not keep touching these plants repeatedly as it will weaken the plant. They are sensitive plants, that need to be handled with sensitivity and sensibly. Take good sensitive plant care and watch them flourish with pompom flowers. However, the pink pompom flowers tend to have an inconsistent appearance and do not be disappointed if you plant does not blossom. This was all about sensitive plant care instructions that you can use when growing sensitive plants, Mimosa pudica.