Origin
Mimosa natans L.f. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South and Central America, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Venezuela.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Sensitive Plant, Touch-me-not, Sleeping Grass, or Shy Plant due to its unique feature of folding its leaves together when touched.
Uses
Mimosa natans L.f. has been used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. In folk medicine, the plant's leaves and roots are used to treat various ailments, including respiratory tract infections, fever, and dysentery. The plant's extracts have also shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
As an ornamental plant, Mimosa natans' unique feature of closing its leaves together when touched makes it a popular choice for indoor or outdoor decoration. Its delicate pink flowers are a lovely addition to any garden.
General Appearance
Mimosa natans L.f. is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are bipinnately compound, with numerous small leaflets arranged on either side of the midrib, giving it a feathery appearance. The leaflets are arranged in a sensitive manner, meaning they close together when touched or exposed to heat.
The plant produces small, pink or purple, ball-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters along the branches. The fruits are small, flat, and brown pods that encase several seeds. Mimosa natans is a fast-growing plant that requires moderate watering and well-draining soil, making it easy to care for.
Light Requirements
Mimosa natans L.f. typically grows in full sun to partial shade. As a tropical aquatic plant, it requires a good amount of light to thrive. In low-light conditions, the plant may grow taller and spindly in an attempt to reach more light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Mimosa natans L.f. falls between 22 to 28°C. These plants do not tolerate frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. If the temperature falls below 18°C, the plant's growth may slow down or even stop completely.
Soil Requirements
Being an aquatic plant, Mimosa natans L.f. grows well in both standing and running waters. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It is not too picky about the soil type, and it can grow in sandy, clayey, or loamy soils. The main requirement is that the soil must be well-draining.
Cultivation methods
Mimosa natans L.f. is a tropical aquatic plant that prefers to grow in shallow water bodies. To cultivate this plant, it is advisable to place it in a pond or any other water container that is shallow enough. The plant requires minimal care as long as it is provided with the necessary growing conditions.
Before planting Mimosa natans L.f., ensure that your water container is positioned in an area that receives ample sunlight and is out of the way of strong winds. The waterbody should be at least one foot deep since this will allow the plant to extend its roots to absorb nutrients from the bottom of the container. You can also use a container filled with good soil, topped off with water on the surface and place the seedlings on top.
Watering Needs
Mimosa natans L.f. is an aquatic plant that grows in the water and thus requires constant watering to thrive. The plant prefers fresh, moving water, as stagnant water can cause root rot and other complications. Therefore, it's advisable to place the container or pond where there is a continuous flow of water.
To ensure that your Mimosa natans L.f. receives enough water, keep the water level in the container or pond consistent. If the water level drops, add fresh water from the top to avoid exposing the roots to air. Always ensure that the plant's foliage is above the water surface to prevent it from drowning.
Fertilization
To keep your Mimosa natans L.f. healthy and blooming, you need to feed it with the right fertilizer regularly. The best type of fertilizer to use is slow-release-fertilizer, which will give your plants a constant supply of nutrients.
Apply the fertilizer on top of the container or pond water and ensure it mixes well with the water. You should fertilize your plant every month throughout the growing season, which usually starts from March to November.
Pruning
Mimosa natans L.f. doesn't require extensive pruning since it is a self-propagating plant. However, occasional pruning of its foliage will help to promote the plant's growth and prevent it from becoming overgrown.
Use sharp and clean garden shears to trim back the damaged leaves and any excess growth. Avoid letting the cut foliage sink to the bottom of the pond/container as it may attract pests or decompose and cause harm to the plant.
A regular clean up of the surface of the container or pond after pruning is advisable to prevent any accumulation of decomposed foliage that could cause water pollution and encourage pest infestation.
Propagation of Mimosa natans L.f.
Mimosa natans L.f. is a beautiful aquatic plant that is commonly grown in aquariums and ponds. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Mimosa natans L.f. can be obtained from mature pods that have turned brown. These seeds should be removed and cleaned before planting. To initiate germination, soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting them in nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shaded area for up to three weeks, and the seeds should start to sprout.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is an effective way to propagate Mimosa natans L.f. Take cuttings from mature plants that are at least six inches long. Cut a section of the stem at a 45-degree angle and place it in a container filled with nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shaded area. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be moved to its permanent location.
Division propagation
Mimosa natans L.f. can also be propagated through division. This method involves splitting the mature plant into several smaller sections, each with its roots. Before division, the plant should be removed from its container, and the roots should be washed and trimmed. Once divided, each section can be planted in its container, and they should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area.
Propagation of Mimosa natans L.f. can be rewarding and is an excellent way to grow more of these lovely plants. Just be sure to provide the right growing conditions for the new plants to thrive.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimosa Natans L.f.
Mimosa natans L.f. is a hardy perennial plant that's relatively low-maintenance when it comes to disease and pest management. However, it's still prone to certain issues that can affect its growth and development. Proper management can prevent or control these problems and ensure that your Mimosa natans L.f. thrives.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Mimosa natans L.f. are fungal. They can cause discoloration, spots, or wilting of the plant. Some of the most common diseases include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease causes small, dark spots on leaves and eventually leads to leaf drop. It's caused by a fungus and should be treated with fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects Mimosa natans L.f. It causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves that later turn rusty brown. Fungicide should be applied to manage the disease.
Common Pests
Mimosa natans L.f. isn't highly susceptible to pests, but some insects can still target the plant. Here are the most common pests that may attack the plant:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop. Regular misting can keep spider mites at bay. Insecticidal soap may also be effective in controlling them.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on sap and reproduce quickly. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several preventive measures you can take to protect Mimosa natans L.f. from diseases and pests:
- Ensure adequate water supply without overwatering.
- Ensure proper drainage to avoid standing water around the plant's roots.
- Provide sufficient sunlight, as overly shady areas can encourage fungal growth.
- Promote air circulation around the plant by doing regular pruning and thinning of leaves.
- Remove diseased leaves or stems immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Mimosa natans L.f. is generally a hardy plant that doesn't require extensive disease or pest management. However, it's important to keep an eye out for potential problems so you can prevent them from becoming more serious issues.
