Content
- How many mimosa species are there?
- How many mimosa species are there?
- Mimosas are not easy to maintain
- Peculiarities of mimosa
- Tips
Only the Mimosa pudica is pulled as a houseplant
How many mimosa species are there?
There are a variety of mimosa species that are native to the tropical region of South America. Of the many species, however, only one can be cultivated as a houseplant also here. The care is not easy - not wrongly, the mimosa are considered divas in the plant world.
How many mimosa species are there?
So far, it is assumed that there are about 500 different mimosa species. However, there is only one species in house growing, namely the Mimosa pudica, which is available in different varieties.
However, it is not easy to obtain special Mimosensorten commercially. Also, mimosa plants are not offered as often. The hobby gardener usually only has to sow this houseplant himself. Propagation over seeds, however, is quite simple.
Mimosas are not easy to maintain
Not in vain are sensitive and sickly people called mimosa. The plant lives up to this cliché, because it is not easy to maintain.
Only if care and location are optimal, a mimosa will thrive. Important is the right casting. All mimosa species tolerate neither complete dryness nor too much moisture.
It is also very difficult to hibernate mimosas properly, so these houseplants are usually grown only one year old.
Peculiarities of mimosa
A peculiarity that affects all mimosa species has made the plant particularly interesting for hobby gardeners. Their feathered leaves fold when touched mechanically, for example with a finger or near a match.
This often causes a chain reaction in which all the leaves gradually fold up. Incidentally, wind or raindrops do not cause them to fold. Also, the ambient temperature must be at least 18 degrees. After about half an hour, the leaves open again.
It is not recommended to cause the reaction of the leaves frequently. There are some Mimosasorten, which are stressed by this strength act very much and need a lot of time to recover. Avoid touching the leaves or getting close to them with lighter and matches.
Tips
Another name for the mimosa is "Shy Sensitive Plant". It belongs to the legume family. In room culture, the subshrubs can reach a height of 50 centimeters.