Care of Mimosa Pudica

Overview

Sensitive plant is another name for the Mimosa pudica. It delights children because its leaves close when you touch them and then open again after a few minutes. The stems are prickly; the flowers are delicate pink balls. Mimosa pudica shrubs grow up to five feet tall and three feet wide. It is fast growing, does well in many soils and needs temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. The plant is very invasive in various parts of the world; it blocks out light to native plants and is a fire hazard when it dries.

Step 1

Put small rocks, pebbles or gravel in the drainage container for your Mimosa pudica houseplant; they'll help increase the humidity by keep water in the drainage container. Don't put the pot into the water directly; it must sit on the rocks or pebbles.

Step 2

Water the Mimosa pudica plant evenly with warm water; do not over-water it. Fertilize the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing seasons of spring and summer.

Step 3

Control the Cochineal insects that attack the plant by putting rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip. These insects appear in masses on outdoor Mimosa pudicas; they are not a problem on houseplants. If there are many them, destroy your plant and do not plant another one it its place or in the same pot.