Question
Hi Darlene,
I have been growing a sensitive plant for a while but the leaves keep drying out and falling off. I have new, slow growing buds starting from the base of the plant from the first fallen stems. Its watered regularly and is getting indirect light from my north facing window. No bugs that i can see, my other plants there are fine and healthy. Is this normal for the sensitive plant?

Answer
Kirstin,

Bright indirect sunlight with some early or late day direct sun wouldd be better. Keep temps above 60 degrees.

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not constantly wet; water when the surface of the soil feels DRY. Do not leave it sitting with any water in the drain tray for more than an hour. Seedling roots rot quickly. It needs a breif dry period between waterings when the soil is dry on the surface and the plant is lighter weight. It cannot be constantly moist because the roots need a breathing spell when they breath in carbon dioxide through the soil and they cannot do that when the plant is constantly moist.

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. Look for their tell tale fine webs in the crotches of the leaves. If you see that take it to the sink and spray it with room temp water, not hot or cold. That will wash them off. Do it daily for a week. Good luck.

Darlene