Overview
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. is a delicate, creeping plant species belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae. This small herbaceous plant is renowned for its unique ability to exhibit thigmonasty or thigmotropism, which refers to the way the plant responds to touch.Origin and Common Names
The Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb., also commonly known as the Sensitive Plant, Shameplant, Humble Plant, Shy Plant, or Touch-Me-Not, is native to Central and South America and has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia.Appearance
The Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. is a small annual plant that grows up to 50 cm in height. Its leaves are fern-like, bipinnately compound, and often two-three times divided into small, oval leaflets. The leaflets are sensitive, tend to fold inward when touched, and re-open after a few minutes. The plant's stem is thin, sprawling, and covered with tiny prickles, and the flowers are small, pinkish, and ball-shaped.Uses
The Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. plant has been used extensively in traditional medicine for centuries. The plant has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and analgesic properties, which is why it was used to treat various medical conditions, including dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, and dysmenorrhea. The plant also has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating wounds, bruises, sprains, and burns. Additionally, the plant is also used to reduce fever, treat snake bite, and the root is used to cure toothache. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. has potential insecticidal effects and may be used for controlling pests in agriculture.Light Requirements
The Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. prefers a bright light environment, but not direct sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth rate will be slower. It is best to place the plant near a window with filtered light or in an area with artificial light for around 14-16 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). Temperatures between 15°C and 18°C (60°F and 64°F) can inhibit its growth and below 10°C (50°F) can cause severe damage where the plant may not survive. It is crucial to keep the plant away from cold drafts, especially during winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6 and 7. It is essential for the soil to be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. If you are using a container, make sure it has a drainage hole to allow excess water to drain out. Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. can benefit from fertilizers, but it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. thrives in tropical and subtropical regions where the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C. It is a perennial plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors depending on your location. The best time to plant this species is during the early spring season. It grows well in areas with well-drained and loamy soil. Additionally, a sunny location with partial shade is ideal for its growth.
Watering needs
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered weekly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can eventually lead to death. It is important to check the soil moisture level regularly to ensure that it is at the right level. Watering should be reduced during the winter season when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. The plant should be fertilized every two to three weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied in a circular area around the base of the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize as it can lead to foliage burn and damage to the roots.
Pruning
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote growth. Pruning should be done during the early spring season before the new growth appears. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches, damaged leaves, and excess foliage. Pinching should also be done to encourage bushiness and a fuller appearance. Care should be taken not to remove too much foliage as it can affect the overall health and growth of the plant.
Propagation of Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb.
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. is a unique and desirable plant for many gardeners and plant enthusiasts owing to its unique characteristic of closing its leaves when touched or exposed to heat or light. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to South and Central America. Propagation of Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. can be achieved through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. It requires patience and care, and it is best to use fresh seed. The seed should be sown in a seed tray filled with damp compost, and it must be kept moist and warm until the seed germinates. Germination may take up to 3 weeks. Once germination has occurred, the seedlings can be potted on individually and grown in a warm and bright environment.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another viable method for Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plant stems and should be around 10cm long with two to three nodes. The cutting should be planted in moist compost and kept in a warm and bright environment. It should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to help retain moisture. Within 2-3 weeks, roots should start to develop, and the plant can be potted on individually.
Propagation by Division
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb. can also be propagated through division. It involves separating the parent plant into two or more parts. The parent plant should be dug up and lifted from the soil. The root system should be divided into two or more parts, and each should be replanted in a moist and fertile soil mixture. Water the newly planted sections and keep them in a warm and bright location until they are established.
Disease Management
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Phytophthora can lead to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Infected plants should be removed from the garden and destroyed.
- Leaf spot caused by fungi such as Cercospora and Phyllosticta can lead to premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides as needed.
- Mimosa webworm (Homadaula anisocentra Meyrick) is a pest that can cause defoliation. To manage this pest, remove affected leaves, use natural predators like parasitic wasps, and use insecticides as needed.
Pest Management
Mimosa pudica L. var. unijuga is also susceptible to pests such as:
- Aphids are common on the plant and can cause leaf curling and distortions. To manage this pest, use natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soaps, or use a strong jet of water to dislodge them.
- Whiteflies can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To manage this pest, use yellow sticky traps, natural predators, or insecticidal soaps.
- Spider mites can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them, use natural predators like predatory mites, or use miticides.
