How to grow and care for Mimosa pudica at home

Growing the "sensitive plant" at home is relatively easy, but it has specific needs. It's often grown as an annual, as it can become "leggy" and less attractive over time.

• Light: Needs bright light. A south-facing or east-facing window is ideal.If its leaves stay closed during the day, it's not getting enough light.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.Mimosa pudica hates "wet feet," which leads to root rot.Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix. A standard commercial potting mix with some peat moss or perlite added for drainage works well.
• Temperature & Humidity: It loves warm, humid conditions.Ideal temperatures are between 65-75°F (18-24°C).It does well in a bathroom with a bright window.To increase humidity, you can mist the plant daily or place its pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
• Propagation: It is very easy to grow from seeds.To improve germination, you must first scarify the hard seed coat by nicking it with a knife or soaking the seeds in hot (not boiling) water overnight before planting.
• Note: The leaves may become less sensitive to touch if the plant is watered too much, not watered enough, or if it's not getting enough light.