How to Grow Mimosa pudica? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Mimosa pudica is surely familiar to many people. It is currently very common in China's flower market and is a flower that people quite like. Mimosa pudica has high ornamental value, and growing it also has a certain fun element, which has attracted many people who want to grow it. However, there are many points to pay attention to when growing it.
How to Grow Mimosa pudica
1. It needs frequent watering. Mimosa pudica is a moisture-loving flower plant that grows in the tropics, so the soil in the pot must be kept moist at all times, and it must not be too dry; in summer, when the weather is hot, water according to actual conditions, about once a day is enough, do not let the potting soil dry out, and spray the plant frequently to prevent water loss from the plant being too fast, which could cause it to dry up; in winter, reduce the amount of watering, water as little as possible, otherwise frost damage is likely to occur.
2. Choice of soil. Mimosa pudica does not have high requirements for soil; ordinary garden soil is enough for planting. If conditions permit, it is best to choose a relatively loose and fertile mixed humus soil; of course, only leaf mold or sandy soil is also acceptable.
3. Maintain sufficient light. Mimosa pudica is a light-loving plant, so it is best to place it on a sunny windowsill or balcony. Sunlight is beneficial to the growth of Mimosa pudica; conversely, if there is too little light, its growth will stop and it will turn yellow and wither.
Cultivation Methods for Mimosa pudica
1. Fertilizer application: Mimosa pudica only needs to be fertilized once a month.
2. Key watering points: Mimosa pudica originally belongs to tropical plants and likes a moist environment, so the potting soil should often be kept moist. In summer, water according to the condition of the potting soil, about once a day; do not let the soil dry out, and you can often spray the plant. In winter, to prevent frost damage, reduce the amount of watering.
3. Pruning essentials: Besides the function of shaping, pruning can also encourage the plant to grow more branches and bloom more. As for where to cut, the easiest way is to start above the strongest new buds. That is, keep the new buds and cut all the others. If the plant itself is growing robustly, you can cut as you please. (Leave at least two leaves.) The plant itself will produce new buds again at the junction between the leaf stem and the main branch.
4. Potting soil replacement: Plants grown in the current year generally do not need repotting; just apply some fertilizer water during care. For Mimosa pudica that has been grown for more than two years, the soil can be changed in spring, but there is no need to replace all the soil; generally half to one third is enough.
Precautions for Growing Mimosa pudica
1. Prevent frost damage. Mimosa pudica is suitable for growing in a warm environment, and the suitable temperature is between 20-28°C. If the temperature is too low, it will be unfavorable for the growth of Mimosa pudica. When the winter temperature is too low, water less to avoid frost damage to the roots and stems. The watering time should be around the time of the highest temperature in the day. If the temperature is below 10°C, it is best to give Mimosa pudica certain protective measures.
2. Prevent pests and diseases. Under normal circumstances, Mimosa pudica rarely has pests and diseases, and the most common pest is the slug. If pests are found, some lime powder can be sprinkled to treat them.
What to Do If Mimosa pudica Has Yellow Leaves
1. If yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, and similar conditions appear after transplanting, the plant can be placed in a cool place to recover, and once the plant returns to normal, care for it in the normal way.
2. If the yellow leaves are not caused by transplanting, in winter the flowerpot can be placed on a windowsill indoors. Generally, an indoor temperature maintained at about 10 degrees is enough for it to pass through winter smoothly, so as to avoid affecting the plant's growth because the temperature is too low. It should be placed in a place with sufficient sunlight, so the root system will grow relatively fast, and it needs frequent watering, preferably every day.
3. Water shortage. In summer, if the weather is relatively hot and dry, water once each in the morning and evening every day, because water shortage may cause the leaves to turn yellow, and at this time if a person touches them, the leaves will no longer close. We need to apply additional fertilizer during the seedling stage, using fertilizer once every half month, but if you do not want the plant to become too large, you can use a little less.
Mimosa pudica has a relatively large demand for water, so when growing it, be sure to control the amount of water. It also needs appropriate light; if there is not enough light, it may cause Mimosa pudica to wither. Growing Mimosa pudica requires care; only by doing every step well can it grow well.