Growing The Sensitive Plant (Mimosa Pudica)

Native to the tropics of Central and South America, Mimosa pudica is a species of creeping herb or shrub that is commonly called a sensitive plant because of the intriguing movement of its leaves when touched. Small hairs cover the leaves of a sensitive plant.

These hairs are highly sensitive to touch, temperature, and movement, bending inward when activated. This response to stimulation is part of the natural defense mechanism of the sensitive plant.

Sensitive plants make great houseplants and generally require little maintenance. They have delicate fern-like leaves and light purple flowers that resemble small pom-poms. Young plants grow straight up, but over time they develop a more trailing habit. They have a very fast growth rate.

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Although most commonly grown indoors as a houseplant, Mimosa pudica can be grown outdoors in warmer areas, but be careful as this sensitive plant can easily naturalize, especially in tropical climates. It prefers a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Move this plant indoors when temperatures are much warmer or drop.