Does Mimosa pudica bloom? Detailed explanation of flowering time and conditions

Mimosa pudica is a perennial herb or subshrub of the Fabaceae family, with a loose plant form and delicate, slender pinnate leaves. Its leaves close as soon as they are touched, and its flowers are numerous and elegant, charming and lovely, giving people an impression of delicate grace. It can be planted in the ground at a courtyard corner, or grown in a flower pot and placed in a hall. Let us take a look below at whether Mimosa pudica blooms!

Does Mimosa pudica bloom?

Mimosa pudica does bloom. Mimosa pudica usually blooms in midsummer. Among the green grass, its pale purple-pink flowers, downy and fuzzy, appear especially shy and delicate, while the slender branches and leaves make the plump, round flowers look even more charming and vivid. The flowering period is from July to October, and it takes about 5 days from bud to bloom. After flowering, it forms pods in autumn, which contain seeds, and the segments fall off when mature.

Growth habits of Mimosa pudica

Mimosa pudica is native to tropical America and is distributed in Taiwan, China, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and other places in China. It grows in open wastelands and thickets, and is often cultivated for ornamental purposes in the Yangtze River basin. It likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunshine, and is suitable for well-drained sandy loam rich in organic matter. The plant is robust, grows quickly and has strong adaptability.

How to grow Mimosa pudica

1. Seedling separation and transplanting: When Mimosa pudica seedlings grow to 3 cm tall, the ones sown in shallow pots can be separated and transplanted. Seedlings should be transplanted with soil, otherwise they are not easy to survive. After the newly potted seedlings are watered thoroughly, first place them in a semi-shaded place, and after they recover, move them to a place with plenty of sunshine. Those sown directly in small pots can be placed directly in a sunny place 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.

2. Water frequently: Mimosa pudica originally belongs to tropical plants and likes humid environments, so the pot soil should often be kept moist. In summer, water according to the condition of the pot soil, about once a day; do not let the soil dry out. You can often spray water on the plant. In winter, to prevent cold damage, reduce the amount of watering.

3. Soil selection: Mimosa pudica has low soil requirements, and ordinary garden soil is enough, but if you want Mimosa pudica to grow better, choose relatively loose and 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.

4. Plenty of sunshine: Mimosa pudica likes sunlight. It is best to place it on a sunny balcony or by a window. Full exposure to sunlight is good for the growth of Mimosa pudica. If there is too little sunlight, it may hinder its growth.

5. Prevent cold damage: Mimosa pudica is suitable for 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 cold damage to the roots and stems. Watering should be done when the temperature is relatively high during the day. If the temperature is below 10°C, it is best to provide some protective measures.

6. Prevent pests and diseases: Mimosa pudica generally has very few pests and diseases. The most common pest is the slug. If found, you can sprinkle some lime powder for control. If the plant is not growing well, check whether the light source is insufficient or the water is not enough.

7. Reasonable fertilizing: Mimosa pudica only needs to be fertilized once a month, but some people think that potted Mimosa pudica looks bad when it grows too large. People who think this way should not fertilize it.