Question
Hello, I am trying to grow a few different Sensitive Plants (they are in the seedling stage right now). I live in Connecticut and currently its November and in the early 40's. I grew 2 through the summer, 1 made it to about 8-12 inches (and then died), and the other did not do so well. I have been told they love to always be in water, and then I heard the complete opposite. I have just put the seedlings into pots and I have 2 grow lights shinning about a foot off of them, (seeing so cold out, I thought this was the best idea. I think the reason my other one died was because I was either watering it to much or not enough (chances are to much and it rotted). So this is mostly my question, how often do I water them, and what is the best way to have these beauties live long lives. I think that they are one of the most beautiful plants I have ever seen. I have tried a few times since the summer and have not had much luck (prob because of the cold) but now I am hoping the Plant lights will help them. Should I be using the lights in the seedling stage, or no?  Thank you so very much for any information you may be able to give me... ~Jess

Answer
Hi Jess,

Mimosa pudica is a tropical species and needs temps above 60 degrees to do well, although they will survive lower temps. I assume you have yours indoors by now.

They do best on a sunny windowsill with natural light, but they can grow under fluorescent lights. Incandescent plant lights are too hot.

These are small plants and must be kept in small pots. Seedlings should be in pots no larger than 2 or 3 inches. In larger pots they grow more slowly and are more vulnerable to root rot because the soil takes too long to dry out properly. When properly potted, they should be watered as soon as the surface of the soil is dry. How often that occurs depends on light, temperature, humidity, soil quality and root mass.

It is commonly called sensitive plant because the foliage closes and droops at the slightest touch. It also should be pruned or pinched back regularly to encourage branching and to keep it full and to prevent legginess. Spider mites can destroy it quickly. This is not a particularly hardy plant. It grows quickly from seed, but it loses its sensitivity and doesn't seem to last for more than a year or so. It is more of a novelty plant - kids love it.

The reason the leaves fold down when touched is so that the plant can protect itself from predators. As the fronds fold down, the sharp thorns are exposed, thereby discouraging animals from eating them. Whatever the physiological mechanism is, it is sensitive enough that it also closes the leaves in response to strong sun, wind and rain.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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