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Sensitive Plant Care

Sensitive Plants are a species of creeping shrub that get their name from their unique leaf movement when touched. They are low-maintenance house plants that have a very fast growth rate and absolutely thrive in indoor or warm outdoor temperatures. As you can see, Sentive Plant care is relatively simple if you're a seasoned plant parent.

How to care for your Sensitive Plant

Use these instructions to care for a Sensitive Plant. This guide will tell you how to water a Sensitive Plant; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Sensitive Plant

LIGHT

Your Sensitive Plant does best in bright, direct sunlight. Allow your plant as much light exposure as possible, preferably from a south or west-facing window for at least 8 hours a day.

WATER

Your Sensitive Plant loves consistently moist soil that’s not soggy. When the top inch of soil has dried out, then it’s time to water your plant, ensuring proper drainage from the pot. In the winter, you water less often.

HUMIDITY

Sensitive Plants require high humidity to look their best. They will thrive in steamy bathrooms or kitchens. You can also mist your plant often or add a humidifier nearby or place a pebble tray next to your plant.

TEMPERATURE

The sensitive plant prefers an average room temperature between 65-75°F. For optimal Sensitive Plant care,  you should keep your plant away from vents and drafts.

FOOD

Your Sensitive Plant is accustomed to soil that lacks nutrients. So fertilizing might not be necessary, but you can give your plant a slight boost with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer that’s diluted at half strength. You can wait a few weeks in between feedings, and remember to water your plant before fertilizing it.

TOXICITY

The Sensitive Plant is considered toxic to both humans and animals when ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Prune your plant regularly to keep it full and prevent it from becoming leggy. You can prune your plant any time of the year.

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What's a Sensitive Plant?

Botanical Classification: Mimosa pudica

About

Native to the tropics of Central and South America, the Sensitive Plant is a species of perennial creeping shrub. It is a great houseplant that is easy to care for, requiring lots of light and water without being temperamental. It thrives in warmer, humid temperatures and can grow very quickly. If planted outdoors the Sensitive Plant fern can quickly spread.

The unique thing about the Sensitive Plant is that it has a natural defense mechanism causing it to roll its leaves due to touch, temperature, and motion. The plant tells you when it’s too hot, too cold, or near a disturbing draft.

Its delicate foliage combined with the movement of its leaves makes the Sensitive Plant a very attractive and popular choice amongst indoor plant enthusiasts.

Fun Fact

The Sensitive Plant’s dainty fern-like leaves are made up of matching pairs of oblong-shaped leaflets that have tiny hairs. These hairs are very sensitive to touch, motion, and temperature, and when stimulated, each pair of leaflets close together in a fan-like motion.

Pictured Left: Sensitive Plant

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