This video shows you the incredible, moving sensitive plant. Watch the leaves of this plant move when they are touched. Find out how to grow this fun plant indoors. The sensitive plant, known botanically as Mimosa pudica, is native to South and Central America, where it grows like a weed. In the Northern Hemisphere, sensitive plant is grown indoors. Adults and children love to touch this plant and watch it move. The leaves move because of the release of water from specialized cells in the stems. The plant does this to protect itself from munching herbivores out in the wild. The plant also droops at night when the sun goes down and springs back up in the morning.
Hello and welcome to Healthy Houseplants, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors! Todayâs video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can find in the comment section below.
Today, I’m going to talk about a really cool plant called the sensitive plant, scientifically known as Mimosa pudica. It’s also referred to as the humble plant and belongs to the pea family. What’s fascinating about this plant is its ability to respond to touch and other stimuli, which Iâll demonstrate in a moment. If you walk by it quickly or if a breeze touches it, the leaves and the entire plant will react by folding up.
The sensitive plant is native to South and Central America, where it grows as a weed. However, in the northern hemisphere, it is harder to cultivate as a weed unless you’re in a very tropical region like Florida. Despite this, it’s a fun plant to grow indoors. It usually reaches about a foot tall, though it often stays smaller when grown inside. The plant also produces a pretty pink flower, usually towards the end of its growth cycle, but you can pinch these off to prolong its life.
The movement of the plant is due to specialized cells located at the base of the leaves, which rapidly release water, causing the leaves to fold. This movement is believed to be a defense mechanism against herbivores, who might be startled by the plant’s sudden reaction and move on to another meal.
If you decide to get a sensitive plant or grow one from seed (I have a link to seeds below), youâll also notice that it responds to darkness by closing up. Now, let me show you how it moves. When I touch it, you can see the leaves fold up instantly. The entire plant can eventually bend down, which is similar to what it does at night. Donât worry about harming the plantâit will return to its original state after a minute or two.
When growing sensitive plants indoors, they need bright light. If you don’t have sufficient natural light, try using full-spectrum lighting for a few hours a day. Keep the plant well-watered, but not soggy, as they donât like to dry out. Plants with thin leaves, like this one, usually require more frequent watering.
To keep your plant healthy, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as a 5-5-5 or 10-10-10, and choose organic if possible. If the plant starts to look a bit rangy or begins to flower, pinch off the blooms to prolong its life. When growing from seed, be patient, as they start small and should not be transplanted too early.
For those in dry climates, increasing humidity can help the plant thrive. Iâll include a link to my videos on humidity trays and humidifying houseplants in the comment section below.
The sensitive plant is a fun addition to any indoor garden. Itâs also a great conversation piece for your desk, providing entertainment when youâre bored. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials youâd like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share.
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