The Sensitive Plant is perfectly named since the slightest touch can make the leaves fold up along the stem. This is assumed to be a defensive mechanism. With fern-looking leaves, this plant will grow into a small mound as a houseplant. If you provide the perfect conditions you may see their whimsical flowers form!
Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica
Also known as Touch-Me-Not or Shy Plant
Sun Requirements:
Bright indirect light is best and I would recommend avoiding direct sunlight.
If you need any guidance to understanding light, or are in need of a grow light to help increase your light, check out the links!
Water Requirement
This is the most important thing to remember for Sensitive Plants! They need to be in consistent, almost constant, moisture. The lack of moisture is usually why most houseplant parents keep these beautiful little plants.
Medium to high humidity can help this plant as well. Different ways to increase humidity are by placing a humidifier near by, misting the leaves with a spray bottle, placing a tray of water and pebbles below the plant (you can use a larger saucer for this), placing you plant in a mini Ikea greenhouse or green house cabinet (there are more sizes and color besides the link I provided). I use a humidifier and I do mist the leaves sometimes.
Fertilizer
There have been mixed suggestions online. It doesn't require fertilizer to thrive but I you wanted to try something, I would concentrate on a using a balanced fertilizer or a nitrogen focused fertilizer that helps with foliage/stem growth. It is also best to use less than the recommended amounts on the fertilizer packaging.
For this, I would use my I currently use Fox Farm's Grow Big Liquid Fertilizer and I would fertilize about every 2 weeks, starting around the end of February through October. I only fertilize once or twice in winter because the plant isn't as active!
There are MANY ways to fertilize and it is completely up to you! If you need more information, check out Fertilizer Explained!
Other Facts
All part of the Fabaceae Family (Legume Family).
Native to Central and South America (hardiness 10-12)
These are considered invasive to many parts of the world to watch out for that!
Trimming the plant back encourages a fuller plant
In nature, Sensitive Plants are considered biannuals so their lifespan of a houseplants can actually be pretty short!
They do bloom but more than likely won't in your home. If they do bloom it will look like a dandelion- like puff ball in pink or purple
These can usually grow up to 2' but they are a little bit slower growing.
Propagation is not often done for houseplants but the best recommended way is by seed.
According to the ASPCA, these are non-toxic to pets but if a lot is ingested it can cause irritation. If you are interested in learning about more pet friendly plants, check out Podcast Ep#31 for more info or the corresponding blog post!
Instagram Q&A
I always ask followers if they had any specific questions, opinions or hot-takes I can address in this podcast and blog. Here are what people told me and and my answers for this topic:
"Sensitive? How do you define this? What classifies it as sensitive?"
The name definitely comes from its ability to close when touched. The plant can also respond to heat and movement. This ability is actually called Seismonasty and it is the same movement you find carnivorous plants doing as well.
"This plant named very accurately! Had 1 but quickly unalived it. Would like to get another so help is appreciated! Thanks!
SAME honestly! Hopefully this episode can help out! Water and humidity are the key really!
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Always written with extreme plant passion!
Love, Holly (Owner & Creator of Houseplant Homebody LLC)
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