MIMOSA PUDICA

Latin Name: Mimosa pudica

Description: Commonly known as the 'Sensitive Plant' due to its reaction to stimulation, this unique indoor plant is low growing, exhibiting stems that are woody at the base, reddish-brown to purple, and covered in tiny prickles. From these stems grow dark green leaves, which are compound, bipinnate, and hairy., each featuring a number of leaflets, which fold up rapidly when touched and also close at night. Flowers are rare indoors, but when they occur, they are bright purplish-pink with four prominent stamens and occur in globular heads. 

It needs humidity, so grow in a naturally humid room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, or stand on a tray of moist pebbles. Prune a sensitive plant regularly to keep it full and bushy rather than leggy. You can prune a sensitive plant any time of the year.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist for a sensitive plant but not waterlogged. As a general principle, water a sensitive plant once the top of the soil begins to dry out. Water sparingly during winter months.

Growth Rate: Moderate
Shape: Creeping, Trailing, Mounding
Sun or Shade: Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Difficulty level: Special Needs; Somewhat Difficult