Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica

A sensitive plant, indeed! This unusually shy houseplant rapidly folds in its leaves after being touched, exposing its spines as protection from potential harm. Children and adults alike will love watching it move in response to touch, heat, or light. Its forest green, compound leaflets and globe-shaped, lilac-pink blooms add to its charm. Perennial in the tropics, and as a houseplant; otherwise grown as an annual.
$3.49
4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
14

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Features

Family

Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae), Pea, Bean, or Legume family, includes beans, peas, soybeans, peanuts, and lupines.

Native

South and Central America

Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Perennial in the topics, and as a houseplant; otherwise grown as an annual

Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")

Flower Color

Flower Color

Pink

Bloom Season

Bloom Season

Summer

Further Information

Plant Characteristics

Plant Characteristics

  • Good for Containers
  • Houseplant

About Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica

1" lilac-pink, globe-shaped flowers that appear in summer. The plant has fern-like leaves with reddish-brown prickly stems, and bristled seed pods.

Planting More Flowers

Plant Spacing

A group of 6 seeds every 18"

Light Required

Light Required

Full sun to part shade. Indoors, place in a bright, sunny location, like an east-facing window.

Plant Height

Plant Height

Medium (12" - 24")

Planting Depth

Planting Depth

1/4"

Planting Details

Seed Depth 1/4"
Seed Spacing A group of 6 seeds every 18"
Thinning When 1"–2" tall, thin to 1 every 18"
Germination 7 – 21 days
Start Indoors 8 to 10 weeks before average last frost. Sow in biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting.
Direct Sow 1 to 2 weeks after last frost.
Special Sowing Soak seeds in water for 12–24 hours before sowing. Germinates best at 70°F.
Special Care Sensitive plant should be grown in containers to avoid naturalization, as it can adversely affect crops, livestock, and native vegetation in tropical regions.

Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 14 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 11 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 2
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Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
14 reviews
  • Kimberly S.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    5/5/26
    Cutest little "don't touch me" flower!

    I have really enjoyed starting sensitive plants from seed, although the germinating rate seems rather low. I started 3 seeds in 2 different pots and only 1 germinated in each. I then started 10 in soil blocks and only 1 came up.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    5/8/26

    Hey Kimberly,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Megan C.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    10/28/25
    Cute

    It was a little difficult to get them to germinate at first. Then I soaked the seeds in water for a while before planting them, and this time there was no problem. They’re very cute plants, and I’m looking forward to seeing their lovely flowers.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    10/29/25

    Hey Megan,

    Thank you so much for this fantastic 5-star review! "Very cute plants" with the excitement of looking forward to "their lovely flowers" is exactly what we love to hear about Sensitive Plant Seeds - and we absolutely love that you discovered the perfect soaking technique to achieve great germination success!

    That's such a helpful tip about soaking the seeds in water before planting - it's exactly the kind of practical solution that can make all the difference for gardeners who want to unlock the full potential of these charming little plants! There's nothing quite like watching those adorable sensitive leaves respond to your touch while you wait for those lovely blooms to appear!

    It's so exciting that you found them cute and are anticipating those beautiful flowers - Sensitive Plants really are such delightful, interactive additions to any garden with their fascinating leaf movement and sweet blooms! Your germination success and growing enthusiasm will be so inspiring for other gardeners who want to discover just how rewarding and charming Sensitive Plant Seeds can be for creating those wonderfully responsive, flowering displays!

    Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Ashley L.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/13/24
    5 Stars

    It is everything I expected. Currently, it is budding and couldn't wait to see the pink flowers.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Stephanie H.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/12/24
    5 Stars

    Was so excited to find sensitive plant seeds! Had one as a kid and they’re so fun. Glad to have one as an adult now, too!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Professional
  • Simon M.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/6/24
    5 Stars

    I think the people in these comments may be confused. Just because the leaves resemble that of the silk tree and the flowers are pink does not mean that it is a mimosa. Vetch, lentils, honey locust, etc., all also have similar leaflet orientation and are members of the Legume family. However if you will notice, Mimosa Pudica has compound leafs with (usually) a 4-way radial split but all originating from a single petiole, whereas Albizia julibrissin (the silk/mimosa tree) has more like branches with anywhere from ~8-12 separate alternating compound leaves. Try the seeds yourself before spreading potentially false information.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate

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