How to Grow Mimosa pudica? Mastering These Care Methods Is Enough

Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) differs from ordinary plants: when touched by people, its leaf stalks droop and its small leaflets close up, so people interpret this as "shyness," which is why it is called the sensitive plant, hehu cao, hanxiu cao, zhixiu cao, and pa chou cao (Cantonese). So how do you grow Mimosa pudica? Below is a compilation by the editor, hoping it will be useful to you.

Characteristics of Mimosa pudica:

1. The biggest characteristic of Mimosa pudica is that when it is stimulated (such as by touch), its leaf surface contracts and folds together. If the stimulus is stronger, this stimulus is quickly transmitted in turn to the neighboring leaflets, and even to the leaflets of the entire compound leaf, causing the leaf stalk to droop. If the stimulus is strong enough, it can even cause the leaflets of the whole plant to fold up and the compound leaves to droop. But after a period of time, it can return to its original state. Mimosa pudica also responds very quickly to vibration; it begins to react 0.1 s after being stimulated and completes the response within a few seconds.

2. At night, Mimosa pudica also folds its leaflets together and lowers its leaf stalks, and during the day, when some leaflets are shaken, they also fold together in pairs. It is more sensitive in weak light. Normally, the water in the pulvinus supports the leaf blade; but when it is stimulated by an external force, the water in the pulvinus immediately flows elsewhere, causing the leaves of Mimosa pudica to close. In addition, at night it automatically contracts (that is, sleep movement). This uniqueness is precisely the source of the name and nickname of Mimosa pudica.

3. Because Mimosa pudica has strong vitality and grows rather messy, many places classify it as a type of grass, but in fact it also blooms. The flowering period of Mimosa pudica is from July to October each year, but its flowering period is very short; less than two days after blooming, the flowers fade. The flowers are pink, and the capitulum is spherical, shaped like a pom-pom. After flowering, it also produces pods, and the fruit is flat and round.

4. The flower language of Mimosa pudica is sensitivity, shyness, and politeness. Gently touching the leaves of this plant will make them immediately close and droop, and even a gust of wind will cause this to happen, just like a shy young girl, so its flower language is - shyness. People born under the blessing of this flower have very shy and timid personalities and are very afraid of strangers. They are also especially keen in feeling and have strong self-esteem.

How to Grow Mimosa pudica:

Growing medium

When sowing Mimosa pudica, you can sow directly in a small pot, or use a shallow pot to grow seedlings for separate planting. For the growing medium used for sowing Mimosa pudica, it is best to mix leaf mold, garden soil, and fine yellow sand after sieving in a ratio of 2:3:5. When sowing, put an appropriate amount of growing medium in the pot, spread it flat and press it firm, sprinkle it thoroughly with water using a watering can, and immediately sow the Mimosa pudica seeds into the soil after the water has completely penetrated. If sowing directly in a small pot, then only 1-2 seeds may be sown per pot. If using a shallow pot for raising seedlings, sow in spots at a spacing of 2 cm x 2 cm. After sowing, cover with soil 3-5 cm deep, just enough to cover the seeds. Finally, cover the pot with glass or plastic cling film to keep it moist, and place the pot in a spot at 20°C.

Seedling care

After the Mimosa pudica in the pot emerges, remove the covering from the pot and gradually let it receive sunlight. When its seedlings grow to 3 cm, the seedlings in the shallow pot can be separated and transplanted. When separating the seedlings, transplant them with soil, as the survival rate is higher that way. Water the newly potted seedlings promptly, and water thoroughly, then place them in a semi-shaded place, and after they recover, move them to a place with plenty of sunlight. If Mimosa pudica was sown directly in a small pot, it can be placed directly in a place with plenty of sunlight to grow.

Fertilizing and watering

Generally, in April-May each year, move the seedling pots of Mimosa pudica outdoors for growing, and water promptly to keep the potting soil moist often. When its seedlings grow to have four leaves, you can fertilize them; use liquid fertilizer when fertilizing. Generally, applying a diluted decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 7-10 days is enough. After Mimosa pudica grows larger, you can repot it once, but the new pot must not be too large; generally, planting it in a medium-sized flowerpot of 15-20 cm is enough.

Propagation method

Because Mimosa pudica is a taproot plant, it has very few fibrous roots, so when planting it, sowing propagation is always used. It is best to use the direct sowing method for growing it, so as to avoid damaging its roots when transplanting. If transplanting is needed, it should be done at the seedling stage. Mimosa pudica is cultivated as an annual plant, so sow it in early spring.

After reading the editor's introduction, now you know how to grow Mimosa pudica, right! I hope it helps with your planting!