Sensitive Plant
Memosa pudica

Photo by Charles Macke
Click on image for larger view. 60.8KB

Photo by Charles Macke
Sensitive Plant Flower 23.7KB

Memosa pudica, commonly called sensitive plant,  is a 2 ft. plant bearing delicate branches and feathery leaves. Although this plant makes an attractive feature, its main claim to fame is it's peculiar habit of rapidly folding up its leaves and drooping its branches when touched during the day. The stems are spiny and the sensitive leaves take about 1/2 - 1 hour to recover after being touched. At night the leaves fold naturally. It is an easy plant to raise and to care for, with the added benefit of bearing ball-like pink flower-heads and elongated seed pods during the summer months. Although it is normally considered a houseplant, it will do very well outdoors if treated as a bog plant and the right location is selected. this plant must be over wintered indoors, or started over from seed in the spring.

Temperature: Average warmth - minimum 60 degrees in winter. 
Light: Bright light  - some direct sunlight is beneficial.
Water: keep soil moist at all times - reduce watering in winter.
Air Humidity: Mist leaves regularly if not located in pond. 
Repotting: not usually necessary. 
Propagation: take stem cuttings in spring or summer. sow seeds in early spring - pour hot water over seeds before sowing.

Hardy zones -11.