The “Tickle Me Plant” (Mimosa pudica) is a captivating houseplant known for its unique interactive foliage. Originating from tropical Central and South America, its distinctive behavior of leaves folding inward upon touch or at night makes it a fascinating addition to any indoor plant collection.
Understanding Its Movement
The Tickle Me Plant’s movement is a scientific phenomenon called thigmonasty, a non-directional response to touch or vibration. It also exhibits nyctinasty, or “sleep movements,” where leaves fold at night and reopen in the morning, regulated by its circadian clock. These movements are controlled by specialized structures called pulvini, located at the base of leaves.
Within the pulvini, changes in turgor pressure (water pressure inside plant cells) orchestrate leaf folding. When stimulated, motor cells rapidly lose water, causing them to shrink and leaves to fold. This response is considered a defense mechanism, deterring herbivores or dislodging insects.
Caring for Your Tickle Me Plant
Light
Mimosa pudica thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window. While it tolerates some morning or evening direct sun, too much intense sunlight can cause leaf scorch. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced leaf sensitivity.
Soil
A well-draining, loose potting mix is important for the Tickle Me Plant. It prefers soil that retains consistent moisture but avoids waterlogging. Incorporating perlite or sand improves drainage and aeration, preventing root rot. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering
Keep the soil of Mimosa pudica evenly moist, especially during its spring and summer growing season. Water thoroughly when the top quarter of the soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Avoid both complete drying out and standing water to prevent issues like crispy leaves from under-watering or yellowing leaves from over-watering.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid temperatures consistently below 60°F (16°C), as cold can cause leaves to yellow. High humidity is also beneficial; regularly misting or using a pebble tray can help.
Fertilizing
The Tickle Me Plant is not a heavy feeder. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every few weeks. Fertilization is not necessary during dormant winter months.
Propagating Tickle Me Plants
Mimosa pudica is most commonly propagated through seed starting. Sow seeds in spring after scarifying them by soaking in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Plant soaked seeds lightly in moist, well-draining compost, barely covering them. Warmth and consistent moisture encourage germination within 3 to 30 days. While stem cuttings are possible, seed propagation yields more consistent results.
Common Challenges and Solutions
If your Tickle Me Plant’s leaves are not closing, it indicates insufficient light, low humidity, or watering issues. Adjusting its placement to brighter, indirect light and increasing humidity can resolve this. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging. If overwatering is suspected, allow the soil to dry more between waterings.
Leggy growth, where stems are elongated with sparse foliage, signals insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location encourages compact growth. Mimosa pudica can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect the plant and treat infestations with organic solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.