Plants exhibit a range of unique behaviors, often appearing to possess a cunning or intelligence typically associated with animals. These “trick plants” showcase remarkable adaptations, from rapid movements to deceptive appearances, making them captivating subjects for observation and cultivation. Their unusual traits inspire curiosity about the diverse strategies life employs to thrive.
The Touch-Me-Not Plant: Nature’s Shy Performer
The Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not, is a recognized “trick plant” due to its rapid leaf movements. Its fern-like leaves quickly fold inward and droop when touched, shaken, or exposed to darkness, earning it the scientific term “thigmonasty.” This movement is a defensive mechanism, possibly to deter herbivores or dislodge insects.
The plant’s reaction is driven by changes in turgor pressure within specialized structures called pulvini, located at the base of its leaves and leaflets. When stimulated, an electrical signal causes certain cells in the pulvini to rapidly lose water, leading to a decrease in internal pressure and the folding of the leaves. The leaves typically reopen after several minutes as turgor pressure is restored.
Caring for Mimosa pudica involves providing conditions that mimic its native tropical habitat. It thrives in bright, indirect light. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged, requiring good drainage with a well-draining potting mix. These plants prefer warm temperatures, between 65-85°F (18-29°C), and high humidity, which can be maintained by misting or using a pebble tray. Propagation is successful from seeds.
Carnivorous Plants: Deceptive Predators
Carnivorous species are another category of “trick plants,” evolving methods to acquire nutrients from insects and small invertebrates. These plants grow in nutrient-poor environments, such as bogs and swamps, where elements like nitrogen and phosphorus are scarce. Their ability to trap and digest prey provides a supplementary source of these nutrients, allowing them to thrive where other plants cannot.
Carnivorous plants employ various trapping mechanisms.
The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) uses a snap trap, where its modified leaves form a “jaw-like” structure. When an insect touches two of the sensitive trigger hairs on the inner surface of the trap within approximately 20 seconds, the leaves rapidly snap shut in less than a second, imprisoning the prey. Digestive enzymes are then secreted to break down the insect’s soft tissues, and the plant absorbs the nutrients.
Pitcher plants, such as Nepenthes and Sarracenia, utilize pitfall traps. Their leaves are modified into deep, fluid-filled pitchers that lure insects with nectar and attractive colors. The slippery inner surfaces or downward-pointing hairs within the pitcher prevent insects from climbing out, leading them to drown in the digestive fluid at the bottom.
Sundews (Drosera) feature sticky traps, with tentacles on their leaves that secrete a glistening, adhesive mucilage. Insects attracted to the “dew-like” droplets become ensnared, and the plant’s tentacles may slowly curl around the prey to further secure it and aid digestion.
Care for carnivorous plants requires specific conditions. They need water low in minerals, such as distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater, as tap water can lead to mineral buildup and harm the plant. The “tray method,” where pots sit in a tray of water, is common. All carnivorous plants require bright light, whether from a bright windowsill, artificial grow lights, or direct outdoor sun. Commercial potting soils and traditional fertilizers should be avoided, as they contain nutrients harmful to these plants; instead, a nutrient-free mix like long-fiber sphagnum moss or peat is used.
Plants with Masterful Disguises and Other Unique Behaviors
Beyond rapid movement and insect trapping, some plants employ remarkable camouflage and unusual rehydration behaviors.
Living Stones (Lithops) are succulents native to the arid regions of southern Africa, known for their mimicry. These plants consist of two thick, fleshy leaves that are largely buried underground, with only their upper surfaces visible. Their appearance closely resembles the pebbles and stones of their natural habitat, serving as a defense mechanism against herbivores. Lithops require extremely dry conditions, needing minimal watering and preferring bright light to thrive.
The Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) exhibits an ability to survive extreme desiccation. When dry, this desert-dwelling plant curls into a tight, brown ball, appearing lifeless. Upon rehydration, it slowly unfurls and regains its green, fern-like appearance. This survival mechanism allows it to endure prolonged droughts. For care, it can be placed on a bed of pebbles with water just covering the stones, and allowed to dry out periodically to mimic its natural cycles.
Prayer Plants, including species like Maranta and Calathea, display a daily rhythm called nyctinasty. Their leaves lie flat during the day and then fold upwards at night, resembling hands in prayer. This movement is controlled by changes in water pressure within specialized cells at the base of the leaves. This behavior may help conserve moisture or protect leaves from temperature fluctuations. Prayer plants thrive in medium to indirect light, consistently moist soil, and high humidity, preferring temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).