PLANT CARE Mimosa Pudica: Growing a happy and healthy sensitive plant (Touch me not)

THE HELP FILES: GROW LIKE A PRO

The complete beginners guide with basic care instructions. Learn how to grow the sensitive plant (touch me not) in our South African climate

Mimosa Pudica is very adaptable and can be grown in full sun, a semi-shade spot outside or at the very least a north-facing windowsill with a minimum of 4-6 hours direct (unfiltered) sunlight
Water daily (or at least every other day) to ensure soil stays moist without letting it dry completely or leaving your plant with wet feet for extended periods of time to prevent rot
Plants can be grown in a 12cm pot in an equal ratio mixture of compost and potting soil with perlite or silica sand added for drainage. Take care when repotting - they are very sensitive to root disturbance
These are semi-tropical plants and do not handle frost well. Protect during wintertime and watch them take off again during springtime
Fertilise with Seagro or a nitrogen-rich fertiliser once or twice a month during summer for optimal growth. Some fertilisers are added to the soil while others are sprayed on the leaves - follow the instructions on the product you use
Like any normal garden shrub, sensitive plants are susceptible to attacks from woolly aphids, which is more prevalent during the early growing season when fresh spring growth emerge. Inspect plants regularly, cut and discard affected growth and treat (according to the instructions) with Koinor or Rosecare Plus - available from most big nurseries and retail stores
The soil may be covered with spanish- or green forest moss for aesthetics and to maintain humidity. Note that this moss is used as a soil additive for tropical plants and may be heavily fertilised. It is not live sphagnum moss and not suitable for carnivorous plants

🔔 PRO tip > Mimosa Pudica is considered an annual but can easily last 5 years or longer if not left to flower. Bushier plants also last longer (and are way more fun!) - Cut the growth tips when your plant is around 10-20cm tall and keep trimming during the growing season to promote new shoots and bushier growth ⬇️