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Mimosa pudica image • Photo: Author Suyash.dwivedi• CC BY-SA 4.0
Mimosa pudica is a creeping annual or perennial plant in the pea family (Fabaceae) with slender, prickly stems that grow up to 1.5 meters long. Its bipinnately compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched, a rapid movement mechanism known as seismonasty. The plant produces pale pink or purple globose flower heads (8–10 mm in diameter) with red-tipped petals and pink to lavender filaments. Notable features include sparsely prickly stems, nitrogen-fixing root nodules, and seed pods with hard-coated seeds that germinate in high temperatures.
Plant Care Overview
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Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Mimosa pudica
Light Requirements
Bright light; not shade-tolerant
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Moderate (allow soil to dry slightly between waterings)
Humidity Needs
medium humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
18–30°C (64–86°F)
Native Climate
Native to Caribbean, South America, and Central America
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, low-nutrient soil
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Mimosa pudica plants
Seeds (scarified or heat-treated to break dormancy)
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Caribbean, South America, and Central America
fast
~30 cm (1 ft) erect height, trailing up to 1.5 m (5 ft)
Annual or perennial depending on climate
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Mid-summer
Flower Description
Pale pink or purple globose flower heads with red-tipped petals and pink-lavender filaments; individual flowers last less than a day
Fun Fact
Its leaf-folding reflex occurs in under a second, likely evolved as a predator deterrent or to reduce water loss.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Mimosa pudica
No problems reported
Good news! No common problems have been reported for this plant. If you encounter any issues, check back later or join our community to share your experience.
Community Tips
Advice shared by other plant enthusiasts
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Mimosa pudica
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