Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica

Overview

Uses: Indoor Plant, Patio Plant, and Outdoor Plant (in appropriate climates)

Benefits: Has beautiful flowers, and leaves that react to the touch. Seeds and extracts have medical uses. 

Zones: 10 - 12 (may have mixed success in zone 9)

Sun: Full to Partial (suggest at least 6 hours of sun daily)

Life Cycle: Perennial

Mature Height: 24"

Mature Width: 18"

Bloom Season: Summer

Summary 

Sensitive Plants are best known by their unique leaves that fold and droop when touched, reopening several minutes later.

Leaves also close and droop in response to darkness and reopen in daylight.

A spiny fern like subshrub that grows to a height of about 1 foot.

Given enough sunlight, it will grow small globular pink flower puffs.

You can create more compact growth by pruning regularly.

Care

Sensitive Plant Care

Provide at least 6 hours of full sun daily. 

Water regularly after planting or repotting, keeping soil moist but not wet until the plant is established. 

Established Mimosa pudica does best with soil that is constantly moist, but not wet or waterlogged. Wet soil will likely cause root rot.

Will benefit from fertilization between spring and fall. Our slow release fertilizer is a great option. 

Is easily trimmed. Only trim with tools that have been cleaned and sanitized.

Trimming promotes dense, shrublike growth. 

Size

Size of Sensitive Plants for Sale Online

The Mimosa pudica that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Sensitive Plant When Fully Grown

Mimosa pudica typically grows to a size of around 24" tall and 18" wide. Its size may grow as large as 36" tall and 36" wide. 

Additional Information

Common Names of Mimosa pudica

• Touch Me Not
  

• Live and Die

• Shame Plant

• Humble Plant

• Curiosity Plant

• Sensitive Plant

• Shameplant

Toxicity and Risks of Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica contains the toxic amino acid mimosine, and may be dangerous if eaten in large doses, such as by grazing livestock. 

Many sources claim that Mimosa pudica is not toxic to household pets and people; however, many claim that is. As such, we consider this plant to be slightly toxic if ingested. 

It's important to note that many use seeds and extract from this plant for medicinal reasons.