Sensitive plant Mimosa pudica
ABOUT
Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, is a unique and intriguing species, famed for its touch-responsive movements. Visually, the sensitive plant is characterized by its sprawling stems which bear feathery, bipinnate leaves. These leaves are comprised of numerous small, elongated leaflets, lined neatly along the stem, creating a delicate and fern-like appearance. The sensitive plant's leaflets are sensitive to touch and will fold inward when disturbed, a fascinating display that often captivates onlookers. The foliage is typically a rich green hue, which contrasts sharply with the plant’s pink, fluffy, ball-shaped flowers that emerge on slender stalks. These blooms add a whimsical, soft touch to the plant's overall appearance. The stems of the sensitive plant are usually slender and may have a slightly prickly texture due to the presence of tiny thorns. The sensitive plant's root system is fibrous, and it allows the plant to anchor itself firmly in the soil. When not stimulated, the plant's open leaflets create a light and airy canopy, which closes up as if the leaves are shy to conserve energy and protect itself when necessary. This dynamic motion, combined with the plant's delicate leaf structure and charming flowers, makes the sensitive plant a subject of fascination for both casual observers and botanical enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Shy Plant, Sleepy Plant, Dormilones, Shameplant, Humble Plant, Shrinking Violet.
Common names
Mimosa hispida, Mimosa pudica var. hispida, Mimosa pudica var. unijuga, Mimosa tetrandra, Schrankia uncinata, Mimosa unijuga, Mimosa invisa.
ToxicityTo humans
The Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not, is not considered highly toxic to humans. Ingestion of the plant is not usually life-threatening but there may be mild discomfort or symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. In most cases, the consequences are not severe and the discomfort is temporary. It is always advisable to be cautious with plant ingestion and to consult medical advice if any symptoms appear after consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
The sensitive plant, commonly known as Mimosa pudica, is not considered highly toxic to pets either. However, ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While these symptoms are generally not severe, they can cause discomfort to your pet. Monitoring your pet for any signs of distress after ingestion is always a good practice, and you should contact your veterinarian if you are concerned or if symptoms persist.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Soil stabilization: Mimosa pudica commonly known as touch-me-not, has a root system that helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Education and research: The touch-me-not plant exhibits rapid plant movement upon touch, which is of interest for educational demonstrations and plant movement research.
- Insect deterrence: The thorns and sensitive leaves of touch-me-not may deter certain insects and herbivores from consuming the plant.
- Ornamental use: With its unique responsive movements, Mimosa pudica is often grown as an ornamental plant for its curiosity-inducing feature.
- Nitrogen fixation: Touch-me-not has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enriching soil fertility and aiding in improving soil health.
Medical Properties- Wound healing: Mimosa pudica has been traditionally used for its wound healing properties due to its antibacterial activity.
- Anti-venom activity: The plant extract is believed to neutralize snake venom and has been used in traditional medicine for snake bites.
- Anti-diarrheal: Due to the presence of tannins and other compounds, Mimosa pudica may be helpful in treating diarrhea.
- Sedative: It may have a mild sedative effect and has been used to promote relaxation and alleviate insomnia in traditional practices.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory issues.
- Anticonvulsant: Some studies suggest that Mimosa pudica may possess anticonvulsant properties, which could be beneficial for treating seizures.
- Diabetes management: There is some evidence that the plant may help in managing blood sugar levels, therefore being of use for people with diabetes.
- Anti-ulcer: The extract of Mimosa pudica has been used to treat ulcers due to its potential ability to protect the stomach lining and reduce acidity.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mimosa pudica has been used in memory-related research because of its ability to close its leaves when touched, signaling changes in its cellular and neural patterns.
- This plant is popular in educational displays to demonstrate plant behavior to students and nature enthusiasts.
- It is sometimes utilized for soil stabilization on embankments and slopes to help reduce soil erosion due to its root structure.
- Mimosa pudica has been used as a natural pest repellent in gardens, as its movement can scare away small insects and pests.
- The plant is used in landscaping for novelty gardens or as an interactive element in sensory gardens.
- In some cultures, the leaves are used for making traditional dyes due to their tannin content.
- The plant is also used for making traditional crafts, like creating patterns on fabrics when the leaves are pressed onto the surface.
- It has been used in biomass production for green energy research due to its rapid growth rate.
- The seeds of Mimosa pudica are sometimes used in jewelry making, especially for their unique, textured appearance.
- As a biological indicator, Mimosa pudica is occasionally used to demonstrate the presence of certain environmental pollutants that affect its ability to respond to stimuli.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Touch-Me-Not plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Touch-Me-Not plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Shyness or Sensitivity: The Mimosa pudica is also known as the "Sensitive Plant" or "Touch-Me-Not" because it responds to touch by folding its leaves inward. This characteristic is a symbol for shyness or sensitivity in humans, suggesting a cautious or delicate response to external stimuli.
- Humility or Modesty: The plant's quick reaction to contact by closing up can also be interpreted as a sign of humility or modesty, indicating a desire not to flaunt or be overly open.
- Chastity or Purity: In some cultures, the Mimosa pudica's folding leaves are seen as a gesture of protecting its purity, symbolizing chastity and innocence.
- Secretiveness or Discretion: The action of closing leaves can represent the idea of keeping to oneself or maintaining secrets, paralleling the way the plant seems to guard its own space and interior.
WaterThe sensitive plant, commonly known as the touch-me-not, requires consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, but this may vary depending on temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water and gently pour it around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Provide approximately one gallon of water per month during the growing season, reducing the amount in winter when the plant's growth slows down.
LightThe touch-me-not plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but too much harsh light can damage its delicate foliage. The best spot for a touch-me-not plant is near an east or west-facing window where it will receive ample light without the intensity of midday sun.
TemperatureThe touch-me-not plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but cold drafts and temperatures below this range can harm the plant. The ideal temperature conditions support its growth and delicate moving mechanism.
PruningPrune the touch-me-not plant to encourage a bushier growth habit and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a more substantial trim is in early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sensitive Plant prefers a well-draining soil mix, high in organic matter. A mixture containing peat moss, loamy soil, and perlite or sand works well to keep the roots aerated and moist without being waterlogged. The ideal soil pH for the Mimosa pudica is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingThe Sensitive Plant should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure healthy growth. Younger plants grow faster and might need to be repotted annually, while older plants can be repotted less frequently, every other year, using fresh potting mix and a slightly larger pot.
Humidity & MistingThe Sensitive Plant thrives in higher humidity conditions, preferably between 60% to 70%. Consistently high humidity levels are ideal for this tropical plant to flourish, but it can tolerate a minimum of 50% with less vigor.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and maintain humidity for indoor Sensitive Plants.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from wind, and ensure moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleMimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil. The seedling emerges with compound leaves that display nyctinastic movement, closing in response to touch or darkness. It grows into a small, bushy herb with a deep taproot and produces pink, fluffy, ball-shaped flowers followed by seed pods that burst open when ripe, dispersing seeds. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years, allowing the sensitive plant to reemerge even after the parent plant has died. The plant completes its lifecycle within one growing season but can live longer in tropical climates where conditions are favorable year-round. During its life, the sensitive plant also spreads vegetatively through rooting stems when they come in contact with the soil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the touch-me-not, or Mimosa pudica, plant is through seed sowing. The best time to propagate these plants is during the warm season, typically in late spring or early summer, when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil or compost. The soil needs to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds generally germinate within one to four weeks. It is important to provide bright but indirect light for the seedlings and to maintain a warm environment to ensure successful germination and growth. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden, maintaining adequate space between plants for growth.
