\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You can also propagate Mimosa pudica by taking cuttings. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. What is wrong if all the leaves close and won't open? To collect seeds, let the pods dry on the plant, then break them open and collect the seeds. Different Types of Calathea Plants. Mimosa pudica, commonly known as a sensitive plant, is a beautiful plant that folds its leaves in when you touch it. The sensitive plant enjoys moderate to high humidity. Seeds are available through the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative. Sexual propagation is with the use of seed or spore that is separated from the parent plant. The intense heat quickly makes the seed viable. Once a cutting is severed from the parent plant, it can no longer take up water, and excessive water loss will result in death. Let the water cool for a few hours before removing. Tweezers have worked well for this part, though it may be hard. There are several pests that are common to sensitive plants. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 245,585 times. You don't need a heat lamp. It is drought but not cold tolerant and may die if exposed to below-freezing temperatures. How should I plant a Mimossa tree that has few roots? Adult plants can survive temperatures as low as 40ºF (4.5 °C), but are at risk of damage or death. If you choose to purchase seeds, use only reputable growers. As a house plant, however, mimosa rarely grows higher than 50 centimeters. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Sensitive plants make great houseplants and are generally low-maintenance. Leslie Halleck, author of hot-off-the-press Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make More Houseplants, Vegetables, and Flowers, demystifies plant propagation indoors and out.On tour, when Jackson Broussard returned to his childhood home, he gave it new ideas along with sentimental memories. Unlike the venus fly trap, the sensitive plant closes its leaves in self-defense and is not carnivorous. Expect the seeds to sprout in 14 to 21 days. References If you touch the plant stems, the plant itself will look like it has slept, because it will fold all the leaves and even bend and collapse a little. Young plants grow upwards, but over time develop more of a creeping habit. The wattage would depend on many factors, mainly on how far is the lamp is from the plant. pots. To grow a sensitive plant, first you'll need plant some sensitive plant seeds in a small flower pot. This handy text will show you how to enjoy the benefits and rewards of making more plants. Never expose the seeds to frost. These might include different types of cuttings in addition to several methods of layerin… Line drawings, charts, and lists help explain the basic principles for propagating your own plants at home. Unless your house is particularly dry, the average household humidity should be sufficient for a sensitive plant. Practical, how-to methods of creative plant propagation are displayed in an easy-to-follow format. The plant may require occasional pruning. If you mean a grow light, it should be similar to daylight. As your plants grow, transplant it to a new pot when the roots push against the side of the pot or start coming out through the drainage holes. In the spring (typically May) pale red, new leaves arise from the rhizomes (see image at left). Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Directly in front or beside a bright sunny window is a perfect location for sensitive plants. The Mimosa pudica or Sensitive Plant is the variety most often grown as a houseplant. Are there different color Mimosa pudicas? Avoid using insecticidal soaps, as these can turn the leaves of the plant black. Plant three seeds in the pot, inserting the seeds down into the potting mix about two or three times the seeds’ thickness. However, the seeds need a little encouragement in order to germinate. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Besides its visually alluring characteristics, the sensitive plant has practical uses as well. Propagation: Seed or cuttings. unlocking this expert answer. The Sensitive Plant has prickly delicate branches and feathery fronds that fold inward and droop when they are touched, shaken, or even blown on; these are called seismonic movements. Mimosa pudica, also known as a sensitive plant, TickleMe Plant, touch-me-not, or shy plant, folds its leaves together when you touch it. Well-draining, loamy soil is ideal for a sensitive plant as its roots cannot survive in severely compacted soil. Scratch the surface of the seed to scarify it. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Mimosa pudica seeds take about a week to germinate. Plant propagation is the process of multiplying plants. Sensitive fern propagates itself vegetatively via its spreading rhizomes. Step 1. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Plants that are sensitive to excess water and easily rot include begonia, bracteantha, calibrachoa, coleus, petunia, sutera, verbena, etc. Propagating the Sensitive plant is considered an easy task. Sensitive plants are also susceptible to other common houseplant pests such as mealybugs and thrips. Propagating sensitive plants by seed is the most reliable way to grow new plants. Indeed, when touched, the plant’s leaves will immediately … Shameplant (Mimosa Pudica) – Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation read more » If necessary, transfer to a pot. There may be some slight variations from bright violet-pink to a faded white-pink, and maybe some growers have marketed "cultivars" on this, however Mimosa bloom can be more dependent on a variety of other factors; such as temperature, light, and available nutrition. Find a stem with a … It’s an extremely easy plant to grow and germinates quickly. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Grow-a-Sensitive-Plant-%28Mimosa-pudica%29-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-a-Sensitive-Plant-%28Mimosa-pudica%29-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Grow-a-Sensitive-Plant-%28Mimosa-pudica%29-Step-1.jpg\/aid165593-v4-728px-Grow-a-Sensitive-Plant-%28Mimosa-pudica%29-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"