Did you know that all plants, even if in the slightest way, have the ability of movement? We’re not talking about the obvious types of movements plants make that can be fully explained, like a venus flytrap catching its prey or sunflowers growing toward the sun, but rather a routine reflexive occurrence called nyctinasty or nyctinastic movement. Think flowers opening and closing, leaves drooping and lifting. Plants move for a reason. So why does it happen and how exactly does it work?
Hey plant lovers! Today I’m gonna share something totally fascinating that I discovered in my garden journey – plants that actually fold up their leaves when the sun goes down! Pretty cool, right?
What Makes Plants Close Their Leaves at Night?
Before we dive into the specific plants let’s understand why some plants do this nighttime ritual. Scientists call this behavior “nyctinasty” – and while it might sound complicated it’s actually just a plant’s natural response to changes in light.
Here’s what researchers think might be going on:
- Plants close up to keep warm (Charles Darwin’s theory)
- It helps protect them from hungry nighttime creatures
- Makes it harder for insects to munch on their leaves
- Helps them collect and direct water to their roots
- It’s like their own version of a circadian rhythm (but they’re not actually sleeping!)
Popular Plants That Do The Nighttime Fold
1. Legume Family
These common garden friends love to close up at night
- Beans
- Peas
- Alfalfa
- Clover
- Vetch
- Cowpeas
2. Flowering Plants
I absolutely love watching these beauties perform their evening dance
- Gazania (African Daisy)
- Crocus
- Tulips
- California Poppy
- Easter Cactus
- Morning Glory
- Oxalis (false shamrock)
- Lotus
- Water lily
- Chickweed
- Purple Winecup
- Bloodroot
- Dandelion
3. Trees and Shrubs
Some bigger plants join the party too:
- Magnolia
- Mimosa pudica (the super-sensitive “touch-me-not” plant)
- Rose of Sharon
4. Indoor Plants
For my fellow indoor gardening enthusiasts:
- Prayer Plant (Maranta)
- The whole Arrow root family (Marantaceae)
Spotlight on the Mimosa Pudica
The Mimosa pudica deserves special attention because it’s probably the most dramatic of all nyctinastic plants. Not only does it close at night, but it also folds its leaves when touched! We like to call it the “sensitive plant” or “touch-me-not.”
Care Tips for Mimosa Pudica:
- Needs bright sunlight
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Doesn’t like cold temperatures (below 55°F)
- Works great as an indoor plant in temperate zones
Growing These Night-Closing Plants
From my experience, here are some general tips for success:
-
Light Requirements:
- Most need full sun during the day
- Some can handle partial shade
- Indoor varieties need bright, indirect light
-
Soil Conditions:
- Well-draining soil is crucial
- Most prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Regular garden soil works for most varieties
-
Water Needs:
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Reduce watering during winter months
- Watch for signs of overwatering
Benefits of Growing These Special Plants
I’ve found these plants bring some awesome perks to my garden:
- They’re great conversation starters
- Perfect for teaching kids about plant biology
- Add dynamic movement to your garden
- Many are low-maintenance
- Some help with soil improvement (especially legumes)
Common Problems & Solutions
We all face challenges, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Plant won’t close at night:
- Check if it’s getting enough light during day
- Ensure temperature isn’t too cold
- Look for signs of stress or disease
-
Leaves turning yellow:
- Usually means overwatering
- Could be nutrient deficiency
- Might need more sunlight
-
Poor growth:
- Check soil quality
- Adjust watering schedule
- Consider fertilizer needs
Final Thoughts
Growing plants that close their leaves at night adds a whole new dimension to gardening. It’s like having your own little nature show every evening! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these fascinating plants are sure to bring joy and wonder to your garden space.
Remember, every garden is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Happy gardening, everyone!
Pro Tip: Take time-lapse videos of your plants’ movements – it’s super cool to watch and share with other plant enthusiasts!
Have you grown any of these amazing plants? Share your experiences in the comments below!
#PlantLovers #GardeningTips #NightPlants #GardeningHobby #PlantScience
What is nyctinastic movement and why do plants do it?
In the plant world, nastic movement refers to any kind of response due to external stimuli. While photonasty refers to a plants response to light, nyctinasty (sometimes known as sleeping movements) refers specifically to the movement a plant makes in the absence of light or sunlight.
So what happens when the lights go out? Just like all living things, plants follow a type of circadian rhythm. When the sun rises, they rise — and maybe surprisingly — when it sets, they sleep. What does sleeping look like for a plant? In some cases they droop down, petals close, or leaves fold.
Why do they do it? There’s no definitive answer though some hypotheses point toward temperature control, protection from insects or herbivores, or even “preventing the disruption of photoperiodism by moonlight”.
If there’s no actual answer, then why is nyctinasty important? To offer the fullest care to your plant is to understand them in every possible way, even the things we don’t fully understand can be useful knowledge that helps your plant thrive. This is all to say: plants sleep, let them sleep.
How does it work?
While plants don’t have muscles that contract and expand like mammals, they do have joint-like clusters of cells at the base of their leaves called pulvinae which can swell or shrink thus causing movement.
Pulvinae sit at the base of leaves and cause the leaves to move.
Time lapse of Mimosa leaves closing for the night.
FAQ
Which plants have leaves which close at night?
Three plants that close their leaves at night are Oxalis, Maranta and Acacia.
What is it called when plants close their leaves at night?
What is nyctinasty? Some plants open their leaves during the day and close them at night, in a manner reminiscent of animal sleep. This circadian rhythmic behavior, termed nyctinasty, is regulated by a biological clock (Figure 1A).
Is mimosa plant good for home?
These plants can be an excellent addition to your home garden as they are low maintenance and suitable to grow both indoors and outdoors. Mimosa Pudica is the touch-me-not plant’s scientific name.
What house plant opens in the morning and closes at night?
Calatheas are unique because their leaves close at night and open in the morning when the sun comes up. They do this to conserve moisture and follow the sun’s movements throughout the daytime.