Mimosa: Latest Prices and a Detailed Guide to Growing and Care

Mimosa, also known as sensitive plant, zhixiu grass, shy grass, and so on, is a perennial herb or subshrub of the genus Mimosa in the Fabaceae family. Unlike ordinary plants, when touched by people its leaf stalks droop and its leaflets close. It has very high ornamental value and is relatively easy to keep alive. It is suitable as a potted flower for balconies and indoors, and can also be grown in courtyards and other places. Now let us take a look together at mimosa prices and growing methods!

How much does a pot of mimosa cost?

A potted mimosa costs about 10 to 20 yuan per pot, but prices vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the pot and the market where it is purchased. Mimosa is now mostly cultivated as an ornamental plant in the home. Its plant form is loose, its feathery leaves are slender, and it closes as soon as it is touched. Its flowers are numerous and elegant, delicate and charming, giving people an impression of frail elegance. It can be planted in the ground at the corner of a courtyard, or grown in a pot on a windowsill or desk.

Propagation methods for mimosa

1. Propagation method: Mimosa is a taproot plant with very few fibrous roots. It is suitable for propagation by sowing, generally sown indoors in early spring, and it is best to sow it directly in place to avoid damaging the roots when transplanting. If transplanting is necessary, it should be done at the seedling stage, otherwise it is not easy to keep alive.

2. Sowing soil: For sowing mimosa, use a mixture prepared from 2 parts leaf mold, 3 parts garden soil, and 5 parts fine yellow sand after sieving. When sowing, first fill the pot with an appropriate amount of growing medium, spread it level and firm it, then water thoroughly with a watering can. Once the water has fully penetrated, sow immediately.

3. Sowing method: After sowing mimosa, cover with 3 to 5 cm of soil, just enough to cover the seeds. Cover the pot with glass or plastic film to retain moisture, and place it in a bright spot with indirect light at around 20°C. Afterward, when the pot soil dries, water by the bottom-soaking method. After about 7 to 10 days, the seeds germinate and emerge.

4. Seedling management: After mimosa seedlings emerge, remove the covering from the pot and let them gradually receive sunlight. When the seedlings grow to 3 cm tall, those sown in shallow pots can be separated and transplanted. When separating seedlings, transplant them with soil. Those sown directly in place can simply be placed in a spot with ample sunlight to grow.

Growing methods for mimosa

1. Soil: Mimosa does not have high requirements for soil and can be planted in ordinary garden soil. If conditions allow, it is best to choose a relatively loose and fertile mixed humus soil. Of course, only leaf mold or sandy soil will also work.

2. Watering: Mimosa likes a very moist environment, with a suitable humidity of around 70%. During the summer growing season, water once a day, and never let the soil dry out. In winter, reduce watering to prevent cold damage.

3. Sunlight: Mimosa likes ample light and tolerates partial shade somewhat, so when growing mimosa, place it in a sunny spot as much as possible, which is beneficial to its growth. However, in summer it is best to place it in partial shade.

4. Temperature: Mimosa is suitable for growing in a warm environment, with 20 to 28°C being ideal. If the temperature is too low, growth stops. In winter, because the temperature is too low, water less. If the temperature is below 10°C, it is best to provide some protection.

5. Fertilizing: Mimosa does not need much fertilizer. During the seedling stage, fertilize once every half month. During the growing season, applying dilute liquid fertilizer 2 to 3 times is enough. Do not let it grow leggy, because mimosa is mainly grown as an interesting foliage plant and is best kept small.

Precautions for mimosa

1. Reasonable watering: Under conditions of ample sunlight, mimosa roots grow very quickly and need daily watering. During hot, dry summer weather, water once in the morning and once in the evening. If it lacks water, the leaves will droop and even turn yellow, and they will no longer close when touched.

2. Reasonable fertilizing: When mimosa seedlings grow to 4 leaves, begin applying liquid fertilizer. Generally, apply a dilute decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 7 to 10 days. If you do not want the plant to grow too large, reduce the amount of fertilizer.

3. Replacing pot soil: Mimosa grown in the current year generally does not need repotting. Mimosa more than two years old can have its soil changed in spring, but it is not necessary to replace all the soil; generally half to one third is enough.

4. Pest and disease control: Mimosa generally has very few pests and diseases. The most common pest is the slug. If found, sprinkle some lime powder to control it. If the plant is not growing well, check whether there is insufficient light or not enough water.