Can Mimosa pudica be kept in the bedroom?
Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) is native to the tropical regions of South America. It prefers warm, humid conditions, is not demanding about soil, likes light but also tolerates partial shade, and its flowers, leaves and seed pods all have good ornamental value, so it can be grown as an indoor potted plant for enjoyment. Because its leaves react to heat and light and close immediately when touched by an external force, it got the name "sensitive plant". Now let's take a look at whether Mimosa pudica can be placed in the bedroom!
Can Mimosa pudica be placed in the bedroom?
It is best not to put Mimosa pudica in the bedroom. During the day, Mimosa pudica generally does not harm the human body, but at night, since it cannot carry out photosynthesis, it releases toxic substances. In other words, Mimosa pudica is actually toxic, so it is advisable to keep it 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 adding pink mohair pom-poms as decoration makes it even more interesting; it is now mostly grown as an ornamental plant for home courtyards.
Is Mimosa pudica really toxic?
The whole plant of Mimosa pudica 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 pudica often, it can cause numbness and tingling in the eyebrows, yellowing of the hair, and even hair loss. So it is best not to take Mimosa pudica internally and not to come into contact with it over the long term; short-term contact is not very harmful as long as it is not eaten.
How is Mimosa pudica best grown?
1. Propagation by seed: Mimosa pudica is a taproot plant with very few fibrous roots, so it is suitable for seed propagation, and it is best to sow directly 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. Mimosa pudica grown as an annual is generally sown indoors in early spring. You can sow directly in a small pot, or grow seedlings in a shallow pot and then divide and transplant them.
2. Dividing and transplanting seedlings: When the Mimosa pudica seedlings grow to 3 cm tall, those sown in a shallow pot can be divided and transplanted. When dividing, transplant with the soil, otherwise they are not easy to survive. After the newly potted seedlings are watered thoroughly, first place them 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 spot with plenty of sunlight to grow. After the seedlings grow larger, they can be repotted once more, but the pot should not be too large; generally, planting them into a medium-sized flower pot of 15-20 cm is enough.
3. Water frequently: Mimosa pudica originally belongs to tropical plants 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 mist the plant frequently. In winter, to prevent frost damage, reduce the amount of watering.
4. Soil selection: Mimosa pudica is not demanding about soil; ordinary garden soil will do. But if you want Mimosa pudica 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 the growth of Mimosa pudica. 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, with 20°C to 28°C being ideal. 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 very few pests and diseases. The most common pest is the slug. If found, you can 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 pudica looks bad when it grows too large; those who think this way should not fertilize it.