Origin:
Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla, commonly known as invisible mimosa, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as invisible mimosa, but it is also referred to as small-leaf sensitive plant, bashful plant, and sleepy plant due to its unique characteristics.
Uses:
Mimosa invisa has some medicinal properties, and it has been used traditionally to treat different ailments such as hypertension, anxiety, and depression. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been shown to have a relaxing effect on the human body. Furthermore, the plant is used in some areas as a forage crop for livestock.
General Appearance:
Mimosa invisa is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. The plant has small leaves with a length of about 1 cm and a width of 0.5 cm. The leaves are bipinnately compound, meaning that they are divided into smaller leaflets. The flowers of the plant are small and pinkish, and they are arranged in globular inflorescences. The fruit is a brownish pod that contains small seeds. The plant's stems are light green and covered with small prickles.
Light Requirements
Mimosa invisa Mart. thrives in full sunlight conditions. It requires at least six hours of full sun exposure every day. Exposure to less sunlight may adversely affect its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of M. invisa is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate low temperatures and frost, which can lead to its wilting and eventual death. Therefore, this plant cannot survive in cold climates.
Soil Requirements
M. invisa prefers well-drained soils with high fertility and good drainage. It grows well in sandy soils, clay soils, and loamy soils. The soil pH range should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The addition of organic matter to the soil is beneficial for its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla can be grown in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
The ideal time for planting this species is in the spring when the soil temperature has warmed up. Young plants should be placed at least two to three feet apart to facilitate proper growth.
Watering Needs
Once planted, Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla requires regular watering until it is established. Afterward, the plant can thrive even in drought conditions. Ideally, watering should be done once a week, and deep enough to reach the root system.
It is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant's death.
Fertilization
Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla can benefit from regular fertilization to promote optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen should be applied at the beginning of the growing season and reapplied every three to four weeks throughout the growing season.
It is important to avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning can be done to improve the plant's shape and to keep it from becoming too leggy. The ideal time to prune this species is in the early spring before new growth appears. Prune back by one-third of the original size and ensure that cuts are made at a 45-degree angle to prevent damage and promote faster healing.
It is important to avoid pruning in the fall or winter, as it can lead to frost damage and reduce the plant's overall health.
Propagation Methods for Mimosa Invisa Mart.
Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla, commonly referred to as Mimosa, is a perennial plant known for its unique ability to close its leaves when touched. If you are interested in propagating Mimosa, you'll be glad to know that this plant is easily propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation Method through Seeds
To propagate Mimosa through seeds, you will need to:
- Collect the seeds from mature seedpods. The seedpods of Mimosa are small and green, turning brown as they mature. It is important to wait until the pods are brown before collecting the seeds.
- Clean the seeds by removing any excess pulp or debris.
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to help with germination.
- Prepare a seed tray with well-draining soil, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Plant the seeds in the soil, placing 1-2 seeds per tray.
- Cover the tray with a plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect and retain moisture.
- Place the tray in a sunny spot and ensure that the soil remains moist.
- The seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation Method through Cuttings
If you want to propagate Mimosa through cuttings, you will need to:
- Take a cutting from a mature Mimosa plant during the growing season. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Ensure that the cutting is 4-6 inches long and has several leaves attached.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Prepare a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Plant the cutting in the soil and cover the pot with a plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect and retain moisture.
- Place the pot in a sunny spot and ensure that the soil remains moist.
- The cutting should begin to root within 2-4 weeks.
- Once the cutting has rooted, you can transfer it to a larger container or plant it outdoors in well-draining soil.
With these two simple and effective propagation methods, you can easily propagate Mimosa at home and grow this fascinating plant in your garden or home.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla
Mimosa invisa Mart., non Mart. ex Colla is a small shrub native to South America. It is commonly known as Sensitive Briar due to its characteristic folding of leaves when touched. It is a tough plant and does not suffer from many diseases and pests. However, some common problems that might affect the plant are as follows:
Diseases
There are few diseases that might affect Mimosa invisa. However, one of the most common diseases is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and drooping. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve the drainage and avoid overwatering. In severe cases, affected plants will need to be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Mimosa invisa is not particularly prone to pests, but some common pests include spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is essential to provide adequate humidity and water to the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
Aphids are also sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prune affected leaves and shoots to prevent the spread of the infestation.
In conclusion, Mimosa invisa is a hardy plant that does not suffer from many diseases and pests. However, it is essential to provide adequate care, such as proper watering and drainage, and manage any infestations promptly to ensure healthy growth.
