Mimosa Pudica - Care Sheet
Overview
Meet Mimosa pudica, the delightful sensitive plant also known as touch-me-not or humble plant. This charming houseplant from Central and South America steals the show with its feathery leaves that dramatically fold up when touched, shaken, or even blown by a breeze—a natural defense mechanism that kids (and adults!) love to trigger. In summer, it produces fluffy pink-purple pompon flowers, adding a pop of color. Though it's an annual or short-lived perennial that gets leggy with age, it's easy to grow from seed each year and holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. Perfect for bright windowsills, it's a fun, interactive addition to your indoor jungle.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Mimosa pudica |
|---|---|
| Common name | Sensitive plant, touch-me-not |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet-safe? | Unknown (legume family; monitor for irritation) |
| Light | Bright indirect; full sun with shade from hottest rays |
| Water | Moist in spring/summer; sparingly in winter |
| Humidity | High (60%+); tray of pebbles ideal |
| Temperature | 18–29°C / 65–85°F (min 13–18°C / 55–65°F) |
| Soil | Peat-free multi-purpose or loam-based (e.g., John Innes No.2) |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid every 2 months (spring/summer) |
| Repotting | Annually into slightly larger pot or refresh yearly |
| Propagation | Seed (spring); softwood cuttings (early summer) |
Light
Give your sensitive plant a bright spot like an east- or west-facing windowsill for optimal growth. It thrives in full light but appreciates shade from scorching midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. In lower light, the plant may stretch leggily and react less dramatically to touch. Aim for at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily to encourage those pretty pink flowers in summer.
Water
Keep the compost evenly moist during spring and summer growth spurts, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings—think damp sponge, not swamp. Reduce to sparse watering in winter, just enough to prevent total dryness. Overwatering leads to root rot, so always use pots with drainage holes. Drooping leaves might signal thirst, but they'll perk up quickly after a drink!
Humidity
This tropical native loves humid conditions mimicking its steamy origins—aim for 60% or higher. Place it in a kitchen or bathroom, or set the pot on a tray of pebbles topped with water (keeping the base above the waterline). Misting occasionally helps, but avoid overdoing it to prevent pests. Low humidity slows leaf reactions and invites spider mites.
Temperature
Maintain a cozy 18–29°C (65–85°F) daytime range, never dipping below 13–18°C (55–65°F) at night. It's a conservatory star under glass, sheltered from drafts and cold snaps. In summer, it can handle outdoor spots in mild climates (H1b hardiness), but bring indoors before temperatures drop. Yellow leaves often mean it's too chilly.
Soil & Potting
Opt for peat-free multi-purpose compost or a nutrient-rich loam-based mix like John Innes No.2 for sturdy growth. Ensure excellent drainage to mimic its low-nutrient, well-drained native soils. Plant in pots just a tad larger than the rootball to avoid excess moisture retention. Spiny stems mean handling with care during potting!
Feeding
Boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of months through spring and summer. Dilute to half-strength to avoid burn, as this legume fixes some nitrogen naturally. Skip feeding in winter when growth slows. Consistent nutrients promote bushier growth and those fluffy flowerheads.
Repotting
Repot annually in spring into a pot one size up, or simply refresh the topsoil if it stays put. It grows to 50cm (20in) tall and 30–100cm (12–39in) wide but gets lanky fast—pinch tips for bushiness. As a short-lived perennial, starting fresh from seed yearly keeps it at peak sensitivity and charm.
Propagation
Easiest from seed: Soak overnight, sow in spring on moist compost, cover lightly, and pop under plastic on a sunny sill or heated propagator (18–24°C / 64–75°F). Germination takes 21–30 days; pot on as they grow. For clones, take softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat. Seeds from summer pods are free and fun to collect!
Common Problems
Leaves Not Folding
Over-touching exhausts the plant—give it a 2–3 week break to reset sensitivity. Energy drain from constant stimulation shortens life, so interact sparingly for best reactions.
Yellow Leaves
Often a sign of cold temps below 18°C (65°F). Move to a warmer spot and check for soggy soil, which stresses roots.
Red Spider Mite
Tiny webs and stippled leaves in dry air. Boost humidity, wipe leaves with soapy water, and isolate from other plants.
Leggy Growth
Insufficient light or age. Prune tips to encourage bushiness and provide brighter conditions; restart from seed if too woody.
No Flowers
Needs more sun, warmth, and fertilizer. Ensure full light and monthly feeds in summer for those pompon blooms.
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Pet safety is unknown for Mimosa pudica—as a legume (Fabaceae family), it's not listed as highly toxic, but prickly stems and pods could irritate mouths or paws. Monitor pets and kids; err on caution if nibbling occurs. No major reports of poisoning, but folding leaves might deter curious noses anyway!
Seasonal Care
Spring: Sow seeds, repot, start regular watering/feeding as growth ramps up.
Summer: Peak season—moist soil, high humidity, enjoy flowers and touch reactions outdoors if warm.
Autumn: Ease off fertilizer, prepare for less water.
Winter: Minimal water, no feed, steady warmth above 18°C (65°F). Leaves naturally fold at night (nyctinasty)—a sleepy bonus!
Quick Tips
- Touch gently and infrequently to preserve the wow-factor folding.
- Soak seeds overnight for faster germination—perfect kid project!
- Pebbled tray = instant humidity hack without fuss.
- Prune leggy stems for a bushier, happier plant.
- East/west windowsill goldilocks zone: bright but not blazing.
- Save pod seeds for free annual restarts.
- Watch for mites in dry homes; mist proactively.