Sleepy plant (Mimosa somnians)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sleepy plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Sleepy plant
Mimosa somnians, commonly known as the sleeping grass or sensitive briar, is a perennial shrub from the Fabaceae family, remarkable for its bipinnate leaves that fold upon touch or at night, a phenomenon called nyctinasty. It features small, globular white or pale pink flowers that give it a delicate and attractive appearance. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover in warm climates, adding a touch of interactivity and curiosity.
Native range
South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and it's crucial to avoid waterlogging as it is susceptible to root rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is the lack of pruning, which can make the plant become too woody and less attractive; prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.
How to save a dying Sleepy plant
- Warning signs
- Wilted, drooping leaves that don't close at night. Soft, blackened stems. Mushy or foul-smelling roots.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, remove from pot, discard wet soil, prune rotten roots, and repot in dry substrate. If dry, water gradually.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the main killer. Lack of light or very low temperatures also weaken it fatally.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly at the first symptoms. It's resilient, but root rot is hard to reverse.