Sensitive Plant
Mimosa pudica
Fascinating tropical plant whose feathery compound leaves instantly fold shut when touched, then reopen after a few minutes. A wonderful novelty houseplant and educational plant for children. Produces fluffy pink pom-pom flowers.
Best rooms for sensitive plant
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
How to care for sensitive plant
Bright light with some direct sun. Keep compost moist but not waterlogged. High humidity helps — mist regularly. Often grown as an annual as plants become leggy in their second year. Easy to grow from seed in spring on a warm windowsill. Feed fortnightly spring-summer. Minimum 15°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Seed in spring (easy and fast)
- Stem cuttings
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Leggy growth over time
- Leaf drop in cold or draughty conditions
- Spider mites in dry air
Similar houseplants
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