A Moving Tribute to Mimosa Pudica

No matter how many other unusual plants folks come across, Mimosa pudica remains a favorite. It has delicate-looking foliage and, at times, “pom-pom” flowers. But the draw of Mimosa pudica is the fact that its compound leaves move in response to being touched or jostled.

This movement is due to water pressure in the cell structure of this plant’s leaves. This water pressure changes in response to being disturbed. The leaves also close in the dark of night. Folding inward, they lock themselves into position, tight as can be. Then, when the disturbance has passed, they open to show attractive greenery.

Because of this “hiding” nature in response to any bumping or brushing, Mimosa pudica has become known as the Sensitive Plant. And although these plants may be “sensitive”, they surely aren’t wimpy by any means, despite having very delicate-looking foliage. I have had them shipped to me from out-of-state with no issues. They arrive with closed foliage, having endured lots of movement in transit. But unbelievably, they typically hold tight to each tiny leaflet. In fact, it is their fascinating closing mechanism that helps them to protect themselves. (Read a description and see a short video, here.) So even though they are known to be “sensitive”, these are tough little beauties.

Toughness. Strength. These plants spread rapidly in the wild, given the right climate (think Australia), handling periods of drought and other unfavorable conditions like little troopers. Their movement may signal that they have been disturbed, but they’ll forgive the interruption, closing up but then happily greeting the daylight again when things calm down.

Mimosa pudica likes well-draining soil and good sunlight, warmth, and humidity. It is not hard to care for in a home environment. A brief dormant period can be expected for this plant, so if you see some yellowing and dropping of leaves, just sit tight. This is temporary. Soon your plant will be “on the move” again.

Having these plants on my own and describing them to friends, I often note that a waiting game should be expected when experimenting with their foliage movement. The movement of the leaves is swift when they are folding, bashful-style. (Another alternative name for Mimosa pudica is the Bashful Plant, and I think this is an even more fitting one.) But if you are eager to see the leaves open again, you may need to wait a bit. In fact, you’re likely to need to walk away and check later. But open, they will… all in good time.

You’ll buy Mimosa pudica for the unusual feature described here. But as you keep this plant in your home, you’ll begin to appreciate it for its good looks. Its greenery is very pretty. Its flowers, blooming once the plant matures enough, are fun and different. It requires only minimal care. And children of every age will marvel at this plant’s very unusual way of being.

Nature. There’s no end to its wonders.