Can Mimosa pudica Be Kept in the Bedroom? The Latest Answer Is Here
Mimosa pudica is native to the tropical regions of South America. It prefers warm, humid conditions, is not demanding about soil, likes light but can also tolerate partial shade, and its flowers, leaves and seed pods all have good ornamental value. It can therefore be kept indoors as a potted plant for enjoyment. Because its leaves respond to heat and light, and close immediately when touched by an external force, it is called mimosa. Now let us take a look at whether mimosa can be kept in the bedroom!
Can Mimosa pudica be kept in the bedroom?
Mimosa pudica should preferably not be kept in the bedroom. During the day, mimosa generally does not harm the human body, but at night, because it cannot carry out photosynthesis, it releases toxic substances. In other words, mimosa is in fact toxic, so it is recommended to keep mimosa outside on a balcony as much as possible, not indoors, to avoid harm to the body. At the same time, growing it on a balcony and decorating it with pink mohair pom-poms makes it even more interesting, and it is now mostly grown as an ornamental plant for home courtyards.
Is Mimosa pudica really toxic?
The whole mimosa plant is mildly toxic, but it does not have much effect on people. The plant contains a substance called mimosine, which is somewhat harmful to the human body. If you come into contact with mimosa often, it can cause tingling of the eyebrows, yellowing of the hair and even hair loss. Therefore, mimosa is best not taken internally and should not be touched for long periods; short-term contact is not very harmful as long as it is not eaten.
How is Mimosa pudica best grown?
1. Sowing and propagation: Mimosa pudica is a taproot plant with few fibrous roots, so it is suitable for propagation by sowing, 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 survive. As an annual, mimosa is generally sown indoors in early spring. It can be sown directly in a small pot, or grown in a shallow pot and then divided and transplanted.
2. Dividing and transplanting seedlings: When mimosa seedlings reach 3 cm in height, those sown in a shallow pot can be divided and transplanted. The seedlings should be transplanted with soil, otherwise they are not easy to survive. After the newly potted seedlings are watered thoroughly, place them first in partial shade, and after they recover, move them to a spot with plenty of sunlight. Those sown directly in a small pot can be placed directly in a sunny spot to grow. After the seedlings grow larger, they can be repotted once more, but the pot should not be too large; generally, planting them in a medium-sized flower pot of 15-20 cm is enough.
3. Water frequently: Mimosa pudica is originally a tropical plant and likes a humid environment, so the potting soil should be kept moist at all times. In summer, water according to the condition of the potting soil, about once a day; do not let the soil dry out. You can often spray water on the plant. In winter, reduce watering to prevent frost damage.
4. Soil choice: Mimosa pudica is not demanding about soil; ordinary garden soil will do. But if you want mimosa to grow better, choose a looser, more fertile soil. You can use a mix of leaf mold and sandy soil, or use only leaf mold; humus soil is also a good choice.
5. Plenty of sunlight: Mimosa pudica likes sunlight. It is best placed on a sunny balcony or by a window. Full exposure to sunlight is good for its growth; if there is too little sunlight, it may hinder its growth.
6. Preventing frost damage: Mimosa pudica is suited to growing in a warm environment, preferably between 20°C and 28°C. If the temperature is too low, it stops growing. In winter, because the temperature is too low, water less to avoid frost damage to the roots and stems. Watering should be done when the temperature is higher during the day. If the temperature is below 10°C, it is best to provide some protective measures.
7. Preventing pests and diseases: Mimosa pudica generally has 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.
8. Reasonable fertilizing: Mimosa pudica only needs fertilizing once a month, but some people think that a potted mimosa grows too large and looks unattractive; those who think so should not fertilize.