Plant Description
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a shrub that grows up to 50cm tall, with hairy leaves and stems. The plant is known for its unique response to touch, where the leaves fold up and droop to the stem when touched.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is indigenous to South and Central America, and is commonly known as the "Sensitive Plant" or "Touch Me Not". It is also referred to as the "Shy Plant" due to its fascinating folding behavior when touched.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the roots, leaves, and stems of the Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan plant are used to treat various health issues such as wounds, fever, and inflammation. The plant is also used as a sedative and anesthetic, as well as a natural remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, the plant's leaves are used to make a refreshing drink for their diuretic properties.
Outside of traditional medicine, the Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan plant has also gained popularity as an ornamental plant due to its unique folding leaf behavior, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens and as a natural curiosity in botanical gardens.
Light Requirements
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in bright light, but too much direct sunlight in the afternoon may be detrimental to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C, but growth may be slower or stunted.
Soil Requirements
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan grows well in neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers loose, well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan, commonly known as Sensitive Plant, requires a warm and humid environment. It is best to grow the plant in a pot as it can thrive indoors year-round or outside in warm climates. Select a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds or propagate by taking stem cuttings. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant establishes.
Watering Needs
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan needs regular watering. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the water reaches the roots and drains out of the pot's bottom. Sensitive Plant is susceptible to root rot, and overwatering can cause it to wilt. Water the plant less in winters when the plant goes into a dormant stage.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Sensitive Plant is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilizer can lead to leggy growth. Alternatively, add slow-release fertilizer pellets at planting time to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning
Prune Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan to encourage bushy growth. Pinch off the topmost leaflets when the plant reaches a height of 4-6 inches. This will encourage branching and make the plant fuller. Pinching can also restrict the plant's height and prevent it from becoming leggy. Remove the dead and diseased leaves and stems regularly to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan
Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan, commonly known as the Sensitive plant, is a popular houseplant that is easy to propagate. There are several ways to propagate this plant, including through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan. The seeds can be sown directly into a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and placed under bright, indirect light. The germination of seeds takes around 7 to 10 days, and the plant will begin to grow vigorously after a month.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another common method of propagating Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan. The cuttings are taken from healthy plants and inserted into moist potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed under bright, indirect light. Roots will start to grow at the base of the stem, and new leaves will emerge from the top of the stem. It can take several weeks before the new plant is well-established.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is typically done when the plant has grown large enough to require repotting. The plant is carefully removed from the original pot and divided into several sections using a clean, sharp knife. Each section should have several stems and roots. The divided sections are then transplanted into their own pots. The soil should be kept moist, and the plants should be kept in bright, indirect light until they are well-established.
Disease Management
The Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan is prone to the following diseases:
Bacterial Leaf Spot
This disease is characterized by water-soaked lesions that eventually turn brown. It is caused by bacteria that thrive in moist conditions. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. It is characterized by brown discoloration of the stem. To manage this disease, practice crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in poorly drained soil. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure good soil drainage, avoid overcrowding of plants, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Pest Management
The Mimosa pudica L. var. hispida Brenan is also prone to the following pests:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They are often found on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a soap solution, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and increase humidity around the plant.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They are often found in clusters on tender plant parts. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a soap solution, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on plant leaves, causing holes and skeletonization. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control.
