Touch-me-not (Mimosa polydactyla)
Care, watering, light and tips for Touch-me-not on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Touch-me-not
Mimosa polydactyla, commonly known as the Sensitive Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family, famous for its compound leaves that rapidly fold inward when touched or at night. Its delicate pink or purple pom-pom-like flowers make it a charming addition to tropical gardens, pots, or as a curious indoor plant.
Native range
Brazil
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; avoid intense direct midday sun which can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can cause leaves to not fully open or become crispy.
How to save a dying Touch-me-not
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaves not closing when touched. Soft stems. Leaf drop.
- First aid
- Check watering (consistently moist, not soggy). Provide bright indirect light. High humidity. Warm temperature.
- What kills it
- Prolonged excessive dryness or constant waterlogging. Lack of light. Low temperatures.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted or main stem isn't entirely soft. Act quickly.