Origin
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica is a perennial plant species native to North and South America. It is commonly found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Sensitive Plant, Humble Plant, Shameplant, Touch-me-not, or Sleeping Grass. The name 'Sensitive Plant' is derived from the fact that the plant's leaves fold and droop when touched or shaken, and it reopens after a few minutes.
Uses
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica has many medicinal properties, and it is widely used to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant contain essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
The plant is also used in landscaping to enhance the appearance of gardens, as it produces beautiful and colorful flowers that bloom at night, ranging from white, yellow, pink, and red in color.
General Appearance
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica is a small, bushy plant that grows up to 60cm in height. It has thin, green stems and oval-shaped leaves that are light green in color and covered in fine hairs. The leaves fold and droop when touched or shaken, and it reopens after a few minutes.
The plant produces small, tubular flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are white, yellow, pink, and red in color, and they grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant's roots are long, thick, and fibrous, and they have a bitter taste.
Light Requirements
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun exposure. It can grow in partial shade, but the plant may not produce as many flowers, and the plant may not grow as tall as in full sun. If growing in areas with hot summer climates, afternoon shade is recommended to prevent the plant from overheating.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in hot, arid climates, and is highly heat tolerant. Therefore, it thrives in temperatures between 75 °F and 95 °F (24°C – 35°C) during the day. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 32 °F (0°C), but temperatures below this may result in frost damage or may cause leaves to die off.
Soil Requirements
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica can grow in a range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining, and not waterlogged. However, it grows best in a sandy, well-draining soil type that has a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be moderately fertile and enriched with organic matter. If the soil in your garden is heavy clay, try mixing in compost, sand, or perlite to improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica is a warm-season plant that grows well in tropical or subtropical regions. It can be grown in containers or directly in the garden soil. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5, and it requires well-draining rich soil for optimal growth.
The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it is vulnerable to frost damage. It is advisable to plant the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost date and transplant them outdoors once the meteorological conditions permit.
Watering needs
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica requires regular watering to maintain its growth and development. However, overwatering can lead to the plant's root rot, which can be detrimental to its survival. It is recommended to water the plant frequently but in small quantities to avoid waterlogging and stagnant water around the plant's roots.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation and ensure proper absorption by the roots. During the growing season, if there is a drought, the plant may require additional watering.
Fertilization
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica requires regular feeding, especially if grown in pots. It is best to use a slow-release balanced fertilizer during the growing season for optimum growth and abundant blossoms.
The plant's fertilizer requirement usually varies with the type of soil; sandy soils require more frequent fertilization than clay or loam soils. It is advisable to check the soil's nutrient level regularly to determine if the plant needs additional fertilization.
Pruning
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading the blossoms once they wither and turn brown stimulates the growth of new blossoms and enhances the plant's appearance. The plant may also require pruning if it overgrows or becomes too bushy.
Trimming the plant's branches can help control its growth and shape it as desired. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid temperature and environmental stress on the plant. It is also advisable to use sterilized pruning shears to avoid transmitting disease from one plant to another.
Propagation of Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica, commonly known as the shy plant or sensitive plant, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. Its propagation is a simple process that can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division of roots.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica. The seeds should be harvested from the plant when the flower dries and falls off. The harvested seeds should be allowed to dry and stored in a cool, dry place for later use. When ready for propagation, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil where they are expected to grow.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart. After sowing, water the soil and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge. It takes about one to two weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them by leaving only one plant per 18-inch diameter pot or 12 inches apart in the ground.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a quick way to reproduce Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica. Take a cutting from the stem, approximately 4 inches long with two sets of leaves. Strip the leaves from the bottom end, leaving a 1-inch stem. Then, dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, watered, and put in a shaded area. It can take up to three weeks for the cuttings to develop roots and start growing.
Propagation through Division of Roots
Propagation through division of roots is an option for mature plants that have been in the ground for at least a year. Dig out the mature plant and, using a clean sharp tool, divide the roots into smaller segments. Each segment should have several stems and root structures. Plant each segment separately in the soil and water it immediately.
The divided plants should be watered regularly for the first two weeks to encourage new root and stem growth.
By following any of these propagation methods, you can easily grow the Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica plant and enjoy its beautiful flowers.
Disease and Pest Management for Mirabilis Pudica Barneby var. Pudica
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica, commonly known as shy or bashful plant, is a fascinating plant known for its rapid movement in response to physical stimuli. While this plant is not highly prone to diseases and pests, it is still essential to know some of the diseases and pests that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting the Mirabilis pudica is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To control powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation by spacing the plants out. You can also apply a fungicide and remove infected leaves or plants to avoid further spread.
Another disease that might affect the Mirabilis pudica is root rot. Root rot occurs when the plant's roots are sitting in stagnant water, and the soil is not well-draining. To prevent root rot, ensure that you do not overwater the plant and that the soil is well-draining.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that might affect the Mirabilis pudica is spider mites. Spider mites are visible specks on the leaves and the plant's surface, and they suck the plant's sap, leading to discoloration and wilting of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can increase the humidity levels and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The Mirabilis pudica might also be prone to aphids. Aphids attack the plant, sucking its sap, leading to weakening of the plant and deformation of the flowers and leaves. You can manage aphids by spraying the plant with a forceful stream of water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Correct identification of pest and disease problems of the Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pudica is elemental for effective management. By implementing preventive measures, you can prevent many pest and disease issues before they establish themselves.
