Sensitive plant folds up when touched and is therefore also known as touch-me-not and humbleplant.
The sensitive plant produces thin, wiry, spiny stems and feathery, green leaves. It regularly bears fluffy, ball-shaped, pink flowers. It is grown as a curiosity because its leaves fold up when touched.
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Fast-growing, the sensitive plant grows readily from seed and can even be started by young children. It ages poorly and should either be replaced by a new plant after a year or so or pinched regularly to keep it young.
Sensitive Plant Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Mimosa pudica
Common Names: Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Humbleplant
Light Requirement for Sensitive Plant: Bright Light
Water Requirement for Sensitive Plant: Drench, Let Dry
Humidity for Sensitive Plant: High
Temperature for Sensitive Plant: House
Fertilizer for Sensitive Plant: High Phosphorus
Potting Mix for Sensitive Plant: All-Purpose
Propagation of Sensitive Plant: Seed
Decorative Use for Sensitive Plant: Table
Care Rating for Sensitive Plant: Demanding
Want to learn about house plants by type? Try these:
- House Plants
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- Bright Light House Plants
- Filtered Light House Plants
- Light Shade House Plants
- Hanging Basket House Plants
- Floor Plant House Plants
- Table Plant House Plants
- Terrarium Plant House Plants
- Very Easy House Plants
- Easy House Plants
- Demanding House Plants
- Temporary House Plants
- Flowering House Plants
- Climbing or Trailing House Plants
- House Plants with Colorful Foliage
- Fragrant House Plants
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Learn how to care for house plants:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Larry Hodgson is a full time garden writer out of Quebec City in the heart of French Canada where he grows well over 3,000 species and varieties. His book credits include Making the Most of Shade, The Garden Lovers Guide to Canada, Perennials for Every Purpose, Annuals for Every Purpose, Houseplants for Dummies, and Ortho's Complete Guide to Houseplants, as well as other titles in English and French. He's the winner of the Perennial Plant Association's 2006 Garden Media Award.