Touch Me Not Plant Care: Mimosa Pudica Guide

Plants need our care to grow and prosper. They are like children; they need to be nurtured and protected, and if we don’t take the time to attend to them, they will not thrive. Just as we would not ignore a child who was thirsty or hungry, we must also attend to the needs of our plants.

It is important to understand what plants need to give them the best possible chance for success. Temperature, light, water, and soil all play a role in plant growth; if any of these factors are not optimal, the plant will suffer.

One such unusual sensitive plant, but known to many, is touch me not. When we touch the plant, its leaves instantly fold in to protect itself from any harm. Here we will talk in detail about Touch Me Not Plant Care.

Plant Overview

The Touch Me Not plant, scientifically known as Mimosa Pudica, gets its name from how tactile stimulation causes the leaves to close up and droop. This nickname has earned them the nickname “Sensitive plant” among horticulturalists and gardeners.

Native to Central and South America, the Mimosa Pudica eventually spread to North America, Asia, and Australia.

This sensitive plant is characterized by light pink or purple flowers that are an inch in diameter and delicate leaves with a feathery fern-like appearance that grows on both sides of the stem. Mimosa Pudica can measure up to 5 feet when fully grown.

Growing Conditions For Touch Me Not

Now that we know a little more about this sensitive plant, let’s talk about how to take care of it. The plant is not difficult to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure its health.

Soil

The Touch Me Not Plant prefers rich organic matter and well-drained soil.  They do not like to sit in wet or overly moist soil, as this will cause the roots to rot. You can improve your soil by adding compost or manure before planting. A well-draining, loamy soil is best for the touch-me-not-plant.

Watering Requirements

Water your touch Me Not plant regularly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. They are drought-tolerant plants but will produce more flowers if they are kept in moist soil. Do not overwater your plant if you want to prevent the root from rotting.  If your Mimosa pudica is already planted in the ground, improve drainage beforehand by altering the soil mix, and then water as needed once the top inch begins drying out.

Lighting Requirements

The Touch Me Not Plant thrives in bright and indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to grow them in an area that receives filtered light or morning sun to prevent the leaves from getting scorched.

Temperature Requirements

Mimosa pudica is a tropical plant and prefers warm weather. They will not tolerate frost and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are growing your Mimosa pudica indoors, keep them in a room with a temperature between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The sensitive plant Mimosa pudica does best in tropical or near-tropical climates, indoors and outdoors.

Fertilizing Requirements

Fertilize your Touch Me Not plant every month using a well-adjusted fertilizer such as 10-10-10. If you are growing them in containers, use all-purpose liquid fertilizer and follow the directions on the package. In the winter months, you can reduce fertilizing to once every two months or not at all. You can also use a high potassium liquid fertilizer for enhanced growth.

Humidity Requirements

Mimosa pudica prefers humid environments but can tolerate lower levels as long as they are not too dry. The Touch Me Not Plant needs high humidity levels to thrive, but it can make do with moderate levels (around 50%).

Maintaining this moisture level is not an issue in most places, but if you live somewhere particularly dry, you must create a high-humid environment.

Pot Requirements

The Touch Me Not Plant can be grown in a pot or planted directly in the ground. If you are growing them in a pot, ensure they are at least 12 inches wide and have drainage holes.

Maintenance of Touch Me Not Plants

Repotting

The only need for this plant is well-drained potting soil. Peaty mixes work the best, but other mixes can get foliage to grow as tall too. The nutrients in the soil don’t matter to this plant; it’ll prosper with or without them.

When you do repot, use a pot that is only two or three inches larger than their current one; however, ensure that the potting mix is well-drained. If you happen to be repotting during springtime, this would be the perfect opportunity to get all of the cuttings you need from your touch me not plant!

Propagating

The Touch Me Not Plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the plant pot in a fairly warm and sunny location and then moisten the soil. The seeds should germinate within two weeks.

To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem and clip off the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moistened potting mix. The cutting should root within two weeks.

Thorns Removal

Mimosa pudica plants have sharp thorns on their stems that can grow up to 2.5 cm (1 in) long. If you want to remove the thorns, you can do so with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Cut the thorny stem just below the point where the thorn attaches to the plant. Be careful not to cut too close to the main stem, damaging the plant.

Pests And Diseases

The Touch Me Not Plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, impacting the plant’s growth. If your plant is infested with pests, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mimosa pudica is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These can be treated with fungicidal soap or neem oil.

Touch Me Not plants are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any home or garden.

Root Rot

It is one of the most common problems with Touch Me Not plants that can be caused through overwatering the plant or planting it in a pot that is too small. If you believe your plant has root rot, you must repot it in fresh potting mix and cut away any affected roots.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Touch Me Not plants. It is characterized by powdery white spots on the leaves and stems. Powdery mildew can be treated with fungicidal soap or neem oil.

Red Spider Mites

Another common problem with Touch Me Not plants is red spider mites. These tiny spiders are difficult to see but can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. If you think your plant has red spider mites, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Tips for Good Plant Care

Here are a few tips to help you take care of your Touch Me Not plant:

Suitable Pot & Watering

Make sure to plant the Touch Me Not in a drainage hole pot. Water the plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Appropriate Light

Place the Touch Me Not where it will receive direct sunlight for at least part of the day. If you notice any pests on the plant, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This sensitive plant needs bright light, so if they are not in it, its leaves will fold and won’t be able to unfold again

Diseases

If you notice any fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot, treat them promptly with fungicidal soap or neem oil.

Wrapping Up!

This Mimosa plant is a beautiful and unique addition to any home or garden. With its sensitive leaves that fold inward when touched, it is sure to add interest and intrigue. The Touch Me Not is relatively easy to care for and can be propagated by seed or cuttings.