How to Grow Mimosa pudica? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Care Methods
Mimosa pudica, also known as zhixiu cao or pa xiu cao, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. Because its leaves are extremely sensitive, a gentle touch makes the leaflets immediately fold together left and right; a firmer touch makes even the pinnae and petioles droop to 60 degrees. At night it also assumes a dormant drooping posture, and it reacts the same way to sudden cold or electrical stimulation. This morphological reaction makes people find it extremely interesting, as if it were shy, which is why it is called mimosa. Below, the editor will introduce to you exactly how mimosa should be grown?
The Growing Environment for Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica prefers a warm, humid environment with ample sunlight. It is suited to well-drained sandy loam rich in organic matter. The plant is robust, grows quickly, has strong adaptability, and its cultivation technique is simple with minimal management. It is not strict about climate, sunlight, or soil requirements, so when cultivating it, fertile, loose sandy loam is best. During the plant's growth period, loosen the soil, weed, and water in a timely manner. For indoor potted plants, water once a day in summer. Fertilize once a month; if you do not want the plant shape to become too large, reduce the amount of fertilizer, or even omit fertilizing.
Mimosa pudica is relatively easy to propagate, generally by sowing seeds. Sowing can be done year-round, but early spring in February, sown in pots indoors, is best. When sowing, scatter the seeds evenly on fine soil and cover with about 1.5 cm of soil. At a temperature of about 18°C, seedlings can emerge in about 10 days. To promote earlier germination, it is advisable to soak the seeds in an 800-fold diluted solution of Xin Gao Zhi Mo for one day before sowing. Mimosa pudica basically has no pests or diseases. If there are slugs, they can be controlled by applying fresh lime powder in the morning.
Growing Mimosa pudica at Home
After sowing, place the pot in an environment of 15-20°C, and seedlings can emerge in about 10 days. When the seedlings grow to 5-6 cm tall, transplant them separately with a soil ball; when they grow to 10 cm, plant them permanently in a somewhat larger pot.
1. Water: It likes humidity; during the summer growing period, water once a day.
2. Fertilizer: Apply a top dressing once every half month during the seedling stage. If you do not want the plant shape to become too large, reduce the amount of fertilizer.
3. Soil: It requires deep, fertile, moist soil.
4. Temperature: It is not cold-tolerant and likes a warm climate; in winter the plant dies back on its own.
5. Light: It likes ample light and tolerates partial shade slightly.