Growing Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant) in the Classroom

Care Guide for TickleMe Plants (Mimosa pudica)

Mark's students love their sensitive plants grown from seed in peat pellets. He asks about pot size, soil, light, and flowering.

Key Requirements

• Light: Bright indirect with some early/late direct sun.
• Temperature: Above 60 °F.
• Water: Keep evenly moist—water when surface feels dry.
• Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage branching and prevent legginess.
• Pests: Spider mites kill quickly; inspect undersides weekly.

Pot Size and Flowering

Move to 3–4 inch pots now. Only up-pot when soil dries in ≤3 days (to 4–5 inch). They flower best when moderately pot-bound. They're short-lived (1–2 years), grown as novelties. The leaf-folding response protects from predators (thorns exposed) and reacts to sun, wind, rain.