Expert: Will Creed - 4/4/2007

Question
Dear Will and staff at All Experts.com
I bought these plants from TickleMePlant.com and my students and I find them to be amazing. The TickleMe Plants are also called mimosa pudica or Shy Plant or Sensitive Plant. We planted them in peat pellets and in one month we can tickle them and they move. Into what size flower pot would you suggest we transfer them into. In addition are there particular soil and light conditions that you would suggest to help the TickleMe Plants to grow its beautiful pink flowers. My school kids love this plant too and I am helping them to grow their own pet TickleMe Plants so that they will be turned on and more sensitive to plants! (They await your answers)
Thanks- I would appreciate any ideas from your readers as well.
Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

You have provided a great learning experience for your students! How old are they?

Mimosa pudica is commonly called sensitive plant because the foliage closes and droops at the slightest touch. It is also sensitive to improper care!

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.

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.

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 two. It is more of a novelty plant, which is why kids love it.

This plant never gets very large as an indoor plant. For now, you can transfer them to 3 or 4 inch pots. If they reach a point where the soil dries out in 3 days or less after a thorough drenching, then you can move them into a 4 or 5 inch pots. They will grow better and will be less prone to root rot if they are kept in small pots. Typically, they only flower when moderately potbound. As long as the pot has enough soil to keep the roots moist for 3 days, then it should not be up-potted.

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.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com