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Mimosa pudica - Sensitive Plant

Ed's Plant Shop  |  SKU: EPS-MIMOSA-SENSITIVE-3IN

Size

Mimosa pudica - Sensitive Plant - 3.5" Nursery Pot is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

$22.00
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

Touch a leaf of the Mimosa pudica and watch it fold closed within seconds — then slowly reopen as if nothing happened. It’s not a trick. It’s thigmonasty, a genuine plant defense mechanism that makes the Sensitive Plant one of the most interactive and conversation-starting houseplants you can own.

Beyond the novelty, it’s a genuinely attractive plant — delicate, fern-like compound leaves on arching stems, and soft pink pom-pom flowers in the warmer months. It grows quickly, stays compact, and is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

A note on handling: the folding response is a stress reaction. The plant recovers fully, but repeated touching throughout the day can tire it out. Let it rest between interactions and it’ll stay responsive and healthy.

What Makes This Plant Special

  • Moves when touched: Leaves fold and droop within seconds of contact, then reopen — a real-time response that never gets old.
  • Flowers too: Produces soft pink, pom-pom-like blooms in spring and summer.
  • Fast grower: Visibly changes week to week, which makes it especially rewarding.
  • Pet and child safe: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans – great for curious households.
  • Conversation starter: Genuinely the most-asked-about plant in any room it’s in.

Ed’s Plant Profile

  • Botanical Name: Mimosa pudica
  • Common Names: Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Shame Plant, Humble Plant
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native Range: Caribbean and South America
  • Mature Size: Up to 24" tall indoors; compact and bushy

Care Guide

  • Light: Medium to bright indirect light. A south or east-facing window is ideal. More light = more vigorous growth and better leaf response. Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun.
  • Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly, then drain well. Sensitive to both drought and soggy soil — consistent moisture without waterlogging is the goal.
  • Soil: Well-draining regular potting mix. Adding perlite improves drainage.
  • Humidity: Prefers higher humidity. Mist occasionally or place near a humidifier for best results.
  • Temperature: 70–85°F. Tropical by nature — keep away from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F.
  • Fertilizer: Every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce or stop in fall and winter.
  • Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Grows quickly so may need repotting sooner than expected.
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans ✓

Troubleshooting

  • Leaves won’t reopen after folding: The plant is stressed or exhausted from too much handling. Give it a few hours of undisturbed rest in good light.
  • Leaves staying closed during the day: Usually a light issue. Move to a brighter spot — the plant needs good light to stay “awake” and responsive.
  • Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry more between waterings.
  • Leggy, sparse growth: Insufficient light. Move closer to a window or add a grow light.
  • No flowers: Needs bright light and warm temperatures to bloom. A south-facing window in summer usually does it.

Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

What will I receive?

You’ll receive one healthy live plant in the nursery-pot or hanging-basket size selected above. The listed size refers to the approximate diameter of the nursery pot, not the plant’s total height or width.

Because every plant is naturally unique, height, fullness, leaf count, coloration, variegation, vine length, maturity, and overall shape may differ from the photographs.

Unless the product listing specifically states otherwise, plants arrive in a standard nursery grow pot. Decorative planters, baskets, saucers, stands, and other accessories are sold separately.

When will my plant ship or be delivered?

Please allow approximately 10–15 business days for processing and preparation. Ten business days is the earliest end of the range, and many orders require most or all of the stated processing window.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time. Local NYC delivery also requires preparation and does not automatically mean same-day or next-day service.

Orders may occasionally require additional time because of plant availability, order volume, weather, seasonal demand, or courier coordination. We will send an update when confirmed fulfillment, tracking, or delivery information becomes available.

How are live plants packaged?

Each live plant is inspected and packed according to its size, shape, and shipping needs. Soil and foliage may be secured to reduce movement during transit, and protective materials may be added when appropriate.

Temporary drooping, shifted soil, limited leaf loss, or minor cosmetic stress can occur while a plant adjusts after shipping. This does not necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy.

What should I do when my plant arrives?

Unpack the plant promptly and carefully remove all protective packaging. Place it in appropriate light and allow it time to adjust to its new environment.

Check the soil before watering. Do not water automatically upon arrival because the plant may already have adequate moisture. Avoid immediately fertilizing, heavily pruning, or repeatedly moving the plant while it acclimates.

Should I repot my plant immediately?

We generally recommend allowing a newly delivered plant time to acclimate before repotting unless there is an urgent plant-health reason to do so.

Repotting an eligible small plant during the first 15 days may void the Plant Health Guarantee because it can make the cause of decline difficult to determine.

What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?

Report shipping or delivery damage within 48 hours. Keep the plant and all packaging while the concern is being reviewed.

Please provide your order number, a photograph of the entire plant, close-up photographs of the concern, and photographs of the box and packaging when applicable.

Small plants in nursery pots measuring 8 inches and below may also qualify for our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee. Large plants in nursery pots measuring 10 inches and above have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window.

Review our Refund & Returns Policy for complete eligibility and documentation requirements.

How can I get help with my order or plant?

For the fastest assistance, use the AI chat assistant on our website. It can help with common order-status, delivery, policy, product, and plant-care questions.

Have your order number and the email address used at checkout available when asking about an order. When a concern requires photographs or human review, email support@edsplantshop.com.