Is Mimosa Pudica Toxic? A Detailed Guide to Growing It

Mimosa pudica is a perennial herb or subshrub of the legume family. Because its leaves react to heat and light and close immediately when touched by an external force, it is named mimosa pudica. The flowers, leaves and pods of mimosa pudica all have good ornamental value, and it is relatively easy to keep alive, making it suitable as a potted flower for balconies and indoors. So is mimosa pudica toxic? How do you grow it?

1. Is mimosa pudica toxic

1. The whole mimosa pudica plant contains trace amounts of toxins

This plant itself contains a substance called mimosine. If you come into close contact with mimosa pudica over a long period, it can make your hair turn yellow and fall out. Grown as a potted plant indoors, it can purify the air and beautify the space for viewing, but at the same time it also causes slight harm to the body. Eating it or excessive contact with mimosa pudica can also cause hair loss.

During the day mimosa pudica does not harm the human body, but at night, when mimosa pudica cannot carry out photosynthesis, it releases toxic substances. Therefore, mimosa pudica placed indoors is best kept on a balcony, so that long-term contact does not harm body and mind.

Compared with indoors, mimosa pudica is more suitable for growing on a balcony or outdoors. Its growth requires strong light, and indoor light conditions cannot meet what mimosa pudica needs to grow. Too much contact can also harm the human body, and it easily causes mimosa pudica to drop its leaves.

2. Households with a pregnant woman should not grow mimosa pudica

Mimosa pudica contains an alkaloid, and it is best not to grow it in a home with a pregnant woman. Pregnant women have a weaker constitution, and mimosa pudica very easily causes hair loss in pregnant women, and in serious cases may lead to miscarriage. Apart from mimosa pudica, in a household with a pregnant woman, growing flowers and plants is generally somewhat unfavorable to the pregnant woman and can affect the fetus in her body.

3. Households with children should not grow mimosa pudica

Mimosa pudica is delicate and interesting, and it draws children's interest and attention. Long-term touching of mimosa pudica can harm a child's skin, cause hair follicles to deteriorate, and make hair and eyebrows turn yellow and fall out. Therefore, it is best not to grow mimosa pudica in a home with children.

2. How to grow mimosa pudica

1. Water frequently

Mimosa pudica is a moisture-loving flowering plant that lives in the tropics, so the soil in the pot must be kept moist frequently, and the potting soil must not be allowed to get too dry. In summer, when the weather is hot, observe the actual conditions and water accordingly; about once a day is enough. Do not let the potting soil dry out, and mist the plant from time to time to prevent the plant from losing water too quickly and drying up. In winter, reduce the amount of watering and water as little as possible, otherwise frost damage easily occurs.

2. Choosing soil

Mimosa pudica does not have high soil requirements; ordinary garden soil is enough to grow it. If conditions allow, it is best to choose a somewhat loose and fertile mixed humus soil; of course, only leaf mold or sandy soil is also fine.

3. Plenty of light

Mimosa pudica is a light-loving plant, so it is best placed on a sunny windowsill or balcony. Sunlight helps mimosa pudica grow; conversely, if there is too little light, it will stop growing and turn yellow and wither.

4. Preventing frost damage

Mimosa pudica is a tropical plant, so the growing temperature must not be too low. Keeping the room temperature at 20-28°C is most suitable. Too low a temperature will cause mimosa pudica to stop growing, and if at this time it is also watered too much, the roots and stems of mimosa pudica will be damaged by cold. When the temperature is below 10°C, certain protective measures are needed.

5. Pest and disease control

Mimosa pudica rarely suffers from pests and diseases. The most common one is generally the slug. If this kind of pest appears, lime powder should be spread in time for control.