Mimosa pudica is a small, delicate-looking plant with pretty, pink flowers. The leaves of the plant are sensitive to touch and will fold up when touched, giving the plant its common name, ‘touch-me-not’. The plant is native to Central and South America but can now be found in many tropical and subtropical countries. Mimosa pudica is often grown as a houseplant or in gardens as an ornamental plant.
Soil:
Pudica grows best in sandy, well-drained soil.
Watering:
Water pudica regularly, especially during the warmer months. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Fertilising:
Feed pudica with a general-purpose fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season.
Pruning:
Pudica doesn’t require much pruning, but you can trim back the stems if they become leggy.
Propagation:
Mimosa pudica can be propagated from seed or from stem cuttings.
Seed:
Sow Mimosa pudica seeds in spring. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-raising mix and keep the mix moist. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Stem cuttings:
Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) piece of stem from a healthy plant and remove the leaves
Season:
Mimosa pudica is a tropical plant and so it does not tolerate cold weather. In cooler climates, the plant can be grown as a houseplant.