Shy mimosa will impress you with her movement
The shy mimosa is known for its rapid folding and drooping leaves. The warmer it is, the faster the movement. Its leaves are closed due to various stimuli such as touch, heat, shaking, blowing, light force, electrical irritation. The movement is a result of the turgor pressure of certain parts in the cell. When the mimosa is irritated, certain parts of the stem are released to release chemicals (including potassium), which cause water to leave the cell vacuoles and form from the cells. As a result, the pressure decreases and the cell shrinks, thus closing the leaves.
The stimulus can also be transmitted to neighboring leaves. It is not clear why this feature evolved, but many scientists argue that it is to protect themselves from predators.
By moving the entire leaf or just parts of it, it creates the appearance of a crushed or uneven plant. And when the leaves hang, the spines show that they help defend against animals.
The petiole and individual leaves are thick at the base, swollen. Due to the stimulus, some cells in this part of the leaf blow, and others swell. This causes movement. If the stimulus is insignificant, only part of the leaf will move - individual leaves bend like dominoes. However, when the stimulus is much stronger, the entire leaf will hang. The movement of the leaves can only be observed during the day, as they close at night and are in a "sleeping position".
Plant description
The stem is thin with more or less dense spines. The plant grows up to 1.5 m. Its leaves are pinnate with one or two pinnate pairs and 10-26 leaves per pen. Light pink flowers grow from the leaves.
As a cultivated plant, it usually only lives for one year, after which a new plant can be grown from seed. The reason for its popularity is the movement of its leaves. When you watch the rapid bending and drooping of its leaves, the shy mimosa impresses you. Why not try having it at home?
Growing mimosa
The plant can be grown at home in a pot by planting seeds with light soil in spring. The soil should be moist all the time, and the room temperature should be at least 18 ° C (ideally 25 ° C). Mimosa needs a bright and warm place. If all these conditions are met, the plant will germinate somewhere within three weeks.
Pot with mimosa seeds
🌿 Dissolve the coconut flakes in water (to form compost). Add the water gradually.
🌿 Fill the soaked coconut soil (compost) into the pot.
🌿 Sow the seeds and cover them with a little soil. Press down lightly.
🌿 Water carefully and regularly.
🌿 Place the pot in the light.
