Question
I was recently given a plant by a family member, and since he did not know what type of plant it is, neither do I! It has a very skinny stalk, with smaller stems branching off of the main one. The smaller stems each end in four fern-like sections, and if you stroke along the length of one of the fern-like stems, along the top side of the leaves, the entire section will curl up until all the leaves are closed against one another. The larger stems branching off of the main stalk will collapse downward when the entire plant is gently shook. I don't know if that is a good enough description for you to be able to tell me what it is, but I'm hopefull, because the leaves have begun to turn yellow and drop off, and I'm afraid it's dying! Thanks for your time in trying to help with this!

Answer
Hi Jaime,

Your description of the closing leaves and dropping branches made it easy to identify this unique plant as Sensitive plant, known botanically as Mimosa pudica. 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.
Not only is this plant sensitive to touch, it is also sensitive to improper care, as you may have discovered.

Bright indirect sunlight with some early or late day direct sun is good. Keep temps above 60 degrees. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not constantly wet; water when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Even occasional lapses in watering will cause leaves to yellow. If you recently repotted it, the extra soil may be staying wet for too long and causing the roots to rot. This is a plant that should stay in a small pot.

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, so be alert for them.

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 as an indoor plant. It is more of a novelty plant - kids love it. Good luck with yours.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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