4" Sensitive Plant

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) – Care Guide

Overview

Mimosa pudica, commonly called the Sensitive Plant, is a low-growing tropical perennial best known for its unique ability to fold its leaves inward when touched. This rapid movement is a natural defense mechanism. Native to Central and South America, it is grown worldwide as a curiosity plant or ornamental houseplant and can be treated as an annual in colder climates.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica
Common Names: Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Shame Plant, Sleeping Grass
Plant Type: Tropical perennial (grown as an annual in cool climates)
Hardiness Zones: 9–11 outdoors, grown as an indoor plant in cooler zones
Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
Spread: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Foliage: Fern-like compound leaves that fold when touched or disturbed
Flowers: Small, fluffy pink-purple pom-poms (typically in summer)

Light Requirements

Prefers bright, indirect light
Can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially morning sun
Indoors: Place near a south or east-facing window
Outdoors: Partial sun to light shade

Watering Needs

Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Avoid letting the plant dry out completely — it will wilt and stress easily
Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows

Soil Requirements

Needs well-draining soil
Use a light potting mix with added sand or perlite
A good blend: cactus mix + peat moss or seed-starting mix

Temperature & Humidity

Ideal temperature: 18–27°C (65–80°F)
Not frost-tolerant — bring indoors if temps dip below 10°C (50°F)
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Indoors: Mist regularly or use a humidity tray

Fertilizing

Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10)
No need to fertilize in fall or winter

Potting & Repotting

Grows well in small containers
Repot annually in early spring if roots outgrow the pot
Use containers with good drainage

Growth Habit

Grows quickly from seed
May become leggy with age — pinch back to encourage bushiness
Can be grown as a hanging plant, ground cover (in tropical zones), or windowsill plant

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets, though not edible

Common Problems

Leaf drop: Often caused by underwatering, cold drafts, or low light
Leggy growth: Not enough light — move to a brighter spot
Pests: Watch for spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies indoors

Fun Facts

The movement is caused by changes in water pressure in the cells at the base of the leaflets

Mimosa pudica is a nitrogen-fixing plant, helping enrich the soil

Often used as a teaching plant to demonstrate plant response and movement