Sensitive Plant

Watering requirements are simple and consistent. The soil should only be watered when it is slightly dry to the touch, and be sure not to overwater, as this will lead to root rot. During winter months, water less frequently as the plant enters it’s dormancy period.

The Sensitive Plant thrives in bright, filtered light, such as in a north or east facing window. Placing the plant in direct sunlight will cause the leaves to burn, so it must not be exposed to direct sunlight. During winter, the plant can withstand lower light intensities, however still requires bright filtered light.

Sensitive Plant does best when kept between 60-85°F (15-30°C) during the day, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C). The plant should not be exposed to temperatures below this.

The Sensitive Plant prefers a little more humidity when compared to other houseplants. This can be achieved by being placed near other house plants, by occasionally misting the foliage, and by using a humidity tray. It’s ideal humidity range is between 40-60%.

Sensitive Plant prefers a well-draining soil that holds moisture but does not stay overly wet. A good mixture would be two parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part coco coir. This mixture will foster sufficient drainage and aeration.

Fertilization is not necessary for the Sensitive Plant, however, if desired, a balanced houseplant fertilizer can be applied during the spring and summer months. A slow release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied every 4-6 weeks. Do not fertilize during fall and winter, as this will likely result in foliage burn.

The Sensitive Plant is relatively pest-free when grown indoors, however can be susceptable to mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Mealybugs can be spotted as white, cottony patches on the leaves and stem, and can be treated with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Aphids can be spotted as tiny green bugs and can be treated by spraying the foliage with a mixture of insecticidal soap and water, or with neem oil. Scale can be harder to treat and can often require manual removal with tweezers.

Repotting should take place in early spring once the threat of frost has passed. It’s best to repot to a slightly larger pot to allow the plant to continue to grow and produce new branches. Use a soil mixture with good drainage, such as a peat-based potting soil with perlite and coco coir. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Pruning is not necessary for this plant, however if it grows too tall or lanky it may benefit from pruning. If you want to give the plant a nice shape, prune the stems to a desired length and shape with sharp snippers. Pruning is best done after the active growing season in late spring.

Mulching is optional when growing a Sensitive Plant indoors. It will help to retain moisture in the soil, so during hot or dry periods it can be beneficial to use mulch. If you decide to do this, use a material such as cocoa husks or bark which break down faster.

The Sensitive Plant can easily be propagated through stem cuttings in the spring/summertime. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings, and remove the lower leaves on each cutting. Place the cuttings in a pot of damp potting mix, and keep the pot in bright, indirect light. The cuttings should have rooted within 1-2 months and can then be transplanted to a larger pot once the roots have grown.

This plant is not typically in need of support and can grow with its natural shape without interfering. However, if you see the plant falling due to her weight or if you want to keep an upright growing shape, support with a bamboo stake may be necessary.

The Sensitive Plant does not require a special rest period as their care requirements are relatively consistent year-round. However, the plant can go through a slight dormancy period during the winter if the temperature drops, during which the plant should receive less water and less light.

The Sensitive Plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. This plant should be kept out of reach of any pets to prevent them from consuming the plant, however, it is not toxic if consumed.