Mimosa Pudica Plant for Sale: A Complete Guide

The unusual and fascinating mimosa pudica plant, also known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not, is gaining popularity with gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts With its unique ability to fold its leaves when touched, the mimosa pudica makes an intriguing addition both indoors and outdoors.

If you’re looking to add a mimosa pudica to your own collection, you may be wondering where to find one for sale. Read on for a complete guide to buying a mimosa pudica plant, including where to find them for sale how to care for them and tips for growing a healthy specimen.

Where to Buy Mimosa Pudica Plants

Mimosa pudica plants can be purchased from a variety of online and offline retailers. Here are some of the most common places to buy a sensitive plant:

• Online plant nurseries – Many online stores sell mimosa pudica starter plants or seeds. Try rare plant nurseries for unusual varieties. Be sure to check customer reviews.

• Local garden centers or nurseries – Many carry the common mimosa pudica variety. Inspect plants closely for health and pest issues before purchasing.

• Specialty stores – Some houseplant or carnivorous plant stores may carry mimosa pudica plants. Call ahead to check availability.

• Marketplaces like Etsy or eBay – Individual sellers may offer mimosa pudica plants or seeds. Read shop reviews carefully before buying.

• Seed catalogs and sites – Several seed companies sell mimosa pudica seeds. This allows you to grow your own plant from seed.

When buying a mimosa pudica plant, look for one with lush, green foliage and no signs of disease or pests. A healthy root system is important too. The ideal size depends on your needs, but small young plants adapt more easily when transplanting to a new home.

How to Care for Mimosa Pudica Plants

Caring for a mimosa pudica plant isn’t difficult, but their tropical origins mean they have some specific growing needs:

• Light – Bright, filtered light is best. Some direct sun is okay, but avoid hot afternoon sun. Low light will cause legginess.

• Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Mist leaves occasionally.

• Temperature – Average room temperatures between 65-80°F are ideal. Avoid drafty areas. Can tolerate down to 50°F at night.

• Humidity – Prefers 40-60% humidity. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or placing nearby other plants.

• Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Amend with perlite, orchid bark, or sand to improve drainage.

• Fertilizer – Feed monthly during growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Pot – Mimosa pudica has a taproot and dislikes being rootbound. Use a pot with drainage holes and replant in a larger container as needed.

With proper care, a mimosa pudica can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide in ideal conditions. Pruning and training can help manage its size and shape if needed.

Tips for Growing Healthy Mimosa Pudica Plants

Follow these tips to ensure your sensitive plant thrives:

• Acclimate new plants slowly to their environment to prevent shock.

• Inspect regularly for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat promptly if found.

• Turn or rotate plants frequently to encourage even, upright growth. Staking may help keep gangly stems upright.

• Propagate new plants from stem cuttings for backups or to share with other gardeners.

• Bring outdoor mimosas indoors before temps drop below 50°F. Move indoor plants outside for summer if desired.

• Repot whenever roots emerge from the drainage holes or plant seems top heavy.

• Pinch back growing tips to promote bushier, more compact growth if needed.

Interesting Mimosa Pudica Varieties

While the standard sensitive plant is most common, there are some fun mimosa pudica plant variations to consider:

• Giant sensitive plant – Larger growing variety that can reach 4 feet tall and wide. Has prominent thorns on stems.

• Mottled leaf – Features green leaves heavily speckled in white for unique coloring. Leaves fold up at night.

• Redvein – Has deep red veins contrasting against the green leaves for striking effect. A little more cold tolerant than typical varieties.

• Giant speckled – Grows over 3 feet tall with large leaves sprinkled in white dots. Needs lots of room to reach mature size.

• Aquatic – A rare water-loving variety good for ponds or bog gardens. Less sensitive to touch than other varieties.

The remarkable and entertaining mimosa pudica can be a bit difficult to find for sale, but seeking out specialty growers or requesting plants from your local nursery are good ways to track one down. Provide bright light, warm temperatures, and ample moisture, and your sensitive plant will thrive with its unique instant foliage response. With a variety of interesting varieties to choose from, it’s easy to find a mimosa pudica perfect for your indoor or outdoor space.

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