The mimosa is one of the most unique plants that exist, and its ability to fold its leaves when touched is exceptionally striking due to the speed with which it does so, so rare in the plant world. In addition, it is increasingly in demand to decorate a variety of spaces, since not only are its leaves striking, but its flowers are round and of a color that ranges from light pink, almost white to intense pink, very decorative.
If you want to learn how to grow your own mimosa at home and give it everything it needs, keep reading this EcologíaVerde article where you will see a complete guide on the mimosa care.
Characteristics of the mimosa
When we talk about the mimosa we usually refer to the plants of the Genus Mimosa, from the Mimosaceae family. Get the common names of shameful, poppy, sleepyhead, sensitive mimosa or moriviví.
It is important to keep in mind that the mimosa we are dealing with refers to the evergreen herbaceous plant, a plant that normally does not exceed half a meter in height, and that it has nothing to do with the other plant called mimosa, the Acacia Dealbata, a tree with striking yellow flowers very common among gardeners. The Mimosa pudica has its origin in America and grows there wildly in all kinds of territories thanks to its great germination and growth capacity, which make it practically considered an invasive plant in some environments. Its stems grow up to 90 cm long, sometimes creeping, and have marked ribs, small spines and are covered with whitish hairs. Its leaves are compound and alternate, with two rows of parallel leaflets, and their small pink flowers appear grouped in small spheres or pom poms about 1 cm. Their life expectancy is around 5 years.
When touched, the plant fold its leaves as a defense mechanism to appear musty and avoid being eaten, in addition to preventing excess water evaporation, the effect for which it is best known. This receives the name of nytinastia, and making the movement puts considerable effort and stress on the plant, so it shouldn’t just be provoked just to see it. Here you can learn more about Nastias: what they are and examples.
It should be mentioned that the plant can be hallucinogenic if it is ingested, so if we have it at home we must keep it away from small children and animals that are in our care.
location for mimosa
The mimosa needs the maximum possible brightnessalthough it can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors due to its great resistance. In any case, the plant will receive as minimum 5 hours a day of direct exposure to the sun or enjoy a suitable lamp for her, of sufficient power. It is also important protect it from drafts.
In the garden, keep in mind its great capacity for expansion, and if the conditions are right for it, you will have to take measures so that it does not grow more than you want.
Climate for mimosa
This plant does not tolerate cold at all. It is not even necessary to talk about frost: if the temperature falls below 10 ºC, the mimosa can already receive severe damage, so in many climates the most comfortable and safest thing is to grow it in a pot and thus be able to move it indoors. in the cold months, then return it outside when the heat arrives again.
mimosa watering
The plant needs to maintain a slight but constant level of moisture in the soil or substrate, which means that in summeryou will have to contribute approximately a irrigation every 48 hours, although always without flooding and taking care not to overdo it. During the cold months Usually it will suffice 1 watering a week or at most two.
In any case, always pay attention to the state of the soil or the substrate: if it is dry at a depth of 2-3 cm, it is time to water again. We insist that you never flood your mimosa, or you could cause its roots to rot.
We recommend you read this other article on When to water plants.
Substrate and soil for the mimosa
The most important thing in the soil of the mimosa is that it offers a drainage as best as possible, and make it light and airy. you can use a universal mix with coconut fiber, peat and earthworm humus in equal parts, which gives rise to a substrate rich in nutrients, very light and with excellent properties.
Outdoors, find where the water does not accumulate when watering and, if necessary, remove about 50 cm of soil and fill with the aforementioned mixture.
fertilizer for the mimosa
The plant is not very demanding in terms of nutrients, but if it has organic matter it will grow much stronger and with a better appearance. Give it a few centimeters of worm humus or compost at the base of the plant during warm months every 15 days.
In this other post you can learn how to make homemade compost.
mimosa pruning
It is not necessary to practice any pruning other than to control their growth if this is excessive, however, your mimosa plant will appreciate the usual maintenance pruningwhich frees it from withered leaves, stems and flowers and allows it to focus its energy on the healthiest parts.
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