Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink

What Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink is

Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink (Mimosa pudica) is an annual flower of the legume family (Fabaceae). Mimosa pudica, the “sensitive plant”, is a source of fascination for adults and children alike. When touched, the narrow fern-like leaflets fold almost instantly and the leaf stalk droops.

This sometimes triggers a chain reaction, with several leaf stalks falling one upon another.

The plant will gradually return to its normal state, which takes about half an hour.

This touch-triggered leaf movement is known scientifically as thigmonasty and is thought to be a defence mechanism against herbivores.

At night the leaves will also fold and bend in movements known as nyctinastic movements (a response to lack of light).

The shy mimosa closes its leaves when touched — a fun plant for children and the windowsill.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 70%
• Pack size: 0.4 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink

Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower from July to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: in a pot
• Germination: 7–14 days at 22–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow indoors from April to May in a medium-sized pot with seed compost and cover lightly. Flowers July–October. Keep moist and keep at about 20 ℃. Germination is slow and erratic and can take from 10 days to 6 weeks. Once germinated, water sparingly. Mimosa is a tropical plant. It must not be exposed to temperatures lower than 16 degrees Celsius. For this reason it is recommended to grow it as a houseplant, in a greenhouse or conservatory, or even to take it outdoors during the summer months. Mist the leaves with water and only water the plant lightly and regularly. When the leaves turn yellow, it indicates that the soil is too wet.

Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.

Flowering and uses

Houseplant.

Frequently asked questions

When should Sensitive Plant Mimosa Pink be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 70%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.