Grow a Sensitive Plant

The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is also known as the TickleMe Plant, the Humble plant, Shame plant, Shy plant, Sleeping grass, Prayer Plant, and Touch-me-not.

Steps

Planting Mimosa Pudica

  1. Obtain your seeds. Get your sensitive plant seeds from a trusted online vendor such as an eBay seller with good feedback.
  2. Soak the seeds in water. Soak the Mimosa pudica seeds in a container of warm Make Your Tap Water Taste Better for 24 to 48 hours before you plant your seeds. This will help them to sprout faster.
  3. Plant the seeds. Plant the seeds one-eighth inch deep in a Make a Can Flower Pot or cup of soil.
    • Use a good potting mix with added perlite to allow good drainage and air circulation between the roots.
    • Cover the flower pot or cup with clear plastic wrap and wait for the plants to sprout. This should take about a week.
  4. Place the sensitive plant in a warm location. Remove the clear wrap or greenhouse cover and place the young Mimosa pudica in a warm and mostly Survive a Stretch of Sunny, Dry Weather location once they have popped above the soil.

Caring For Mimosa Pudica

  1. Maintain the correct temperature. Mimosa pudica or sensitive plants prefer warm, sunny, indoor locations (like in a window) with temperatures between {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
    • The sensitive plant can survive outdoors in the summer (in hardiness zones 9 to 11) but it has a tendency to spread and become weedy.
  2. Water and fertilize the plant. The sensitive plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Try to use loamy soil for improved drainage, as this can prevent root rot.
    • During growing season, fertilize the sensitive plant approximately every two weeks with a diluted high-potassium fertilizer.
  3. Prevent disease. The sensitive plant is not particularly prone to disease, but it may become infested with some common pests, such as red spider mites, mealy bugs and thrips. These can be removed by spraying the plant with a direct stream of water.
    • Avoid using insecticidal soaps, as these can turn the leaves of the plant black.

Tips

  • Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out.
  • If temperatures are kept between 70° and {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, young Mimosa pudica can sprout in less than 7 days. However, if temperatures are lower, it may take 21 to 30 days for Mimosa pudica to sprout.
  • If you cover any of your containers with clear wrap, do not put them in direct sunlight until you remove the plastic wrap.
  • Instead soaking seeds in warm tap water, try soaking in 5 parts boiling to 1 part cold water. Let the water cool for a few hours before removing. The intense heat quickly makes the seed viable. You will most likely get 13/25 to germinate within a week. With this species, 13/25 is great.
  • Cool temperatures will prevent your sensitive plant or Mimosa pudica from starting to grow leaves. Put them in a room with temperatures between 70° and {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
  • Alternative to soaking is to gently score (or chipping) the seed coat by rubbing a few (gently!) between fine sandpaper before planting.

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Sources and Citations

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