Mimosa – care of mimosa plants

A bright location is ideal for the mimosa – above all, it should be quiet so that the plant can develop undisturbed. Too frequent vibrations should be avoided as well as large temperature fluctuations, otherwise the mimosa has to fold in its leaves so often as this weakens the plant. Young plants must be protected from direct sun; even older specimens do not like a permanently too sunny location. In the summer months, however, the mimosa can be in the sun for a few hours a day, as the light helps it develop the pretty flowers. The plant should also be protected from drafts. The mimosa is the ideal houseplant and is satisfied with the temperatures there – only it shouldn’t be exposed to frost. Even with polluted air, the plant lives up to its name and reacts sensitively, so that it grows poorly in rooms where people smoke. Mimosas that are on the windowsill above a radiator grow well when small bowls are set up that are filled with water – this increases the humidity and creates an ideal climate.

The perfect location for the mimosa at a glance:

• bright, but not permanently in direct sun
• protected from drafts and vibrations
• normal temperature range without frost
• The cleanest possible air without cigarette smoke

Plant substrate, plants and repotting

The mimosa should be repotted as soon as possible after purchase so that the roots have enough space to develop. Often the pot is too small when you buy it – the mimosa grows quickly and with it its roots. Even after the first repotting, you should often check whether the mimosa still has enough space in the pot. However, this space should not be too generous, as the plant always blooms at its most beautiful and forms the most attractive leaves when the space available for the roots is somewhat limited. After repotting, the extremely sensitive leaves of the plant can look a bit worn – but they usually recover very quickly from this strain. A loose compost-based soil is best suited as a plant substrate for the mimosa.

The planting and repotting of mimosa at a glance:

• loose compost-based soil as a plant substrate
• Repot immediately after purchase
• Check regularly whether the planter is still big enough
• Slightly limited space for roots allows the plant to bloom particularly beautifully
• after repotting, the leaves will recover quickly

Watering and fertilizing

The mimosa is not a fan of too much moisture – the plant immediately absorbs all the water it can get. If that is too much, it damages the mimosa and sooner or later it dies. However, the plant substrate should always be completely moistened without waterlogging. Before the plant is watered again, it is advisable to let the top layers of soil dry out slightly. Watering makes very special demands on the owner – but once the owner knows exactly the needs of the plant, it quickly becomes a routine. So that the mimosa can grow well, nutrients in the form of fertilizer can be supplied to it regularly every 14 days. However, the plant gets along well without fertilizer.

The watering and fertilizing of mimosa at a glance:

• Always keep the plant substrate slightly moist
• avoid too much water
• Let the top layer of soil dry slightly before the next watering
• Fertilization is not absolutely necessary
• Use green plant fertilizer every 14 days in halved concentration
• Do not fertilize young plants yet

To cut

The mimosa is often a bit bitchy when pruned – so this is not necessarily recommended. Young plants should therefore not be cut under any circumstances; this can be tried with adult plants. However, there is no guarantee of success; It is by no means certain whether the mimosa will sprout again after pruning. If some leaves have dried up, they usually fall off the plant themselves after a while. Again, removing it is not advisable, as the accompanying vibrations put stress on the mimosa. If these leaves are to be removed anyway, this must be done very carefully. If the mimosa has become too bulky, it is best to use a new, young plant, which then takes the place of the old one. Because the mimosa grows quickly,

The cutting of the mimosa at a glance

• Cutting back is not recommended
• Never cut back young plants
• Remove dried leaves very carefully – they will fall off after a while

Overwinter

The mimosa can be overwintered in the living room at home without any problems – the plant feels particularly at home there anyway. It is only important to ensure that the air humidity must not be too low, otherwise there is a risk of spider mites that could settle on the mimosa. Water vessels around the plant help in the winter months to ensure that there is always sufficient humidity.

The overwintering at a glance:

• in the living room
• Pay attention to high humidity, possibly set up water vessels

Multiply

It is very easy and, so to speak, child’s play to grow a mimosa from the seed of the plant itself. The ideal time for this is spring – the seed is best pre-germinated for maximum success. To do this, the seeds are poured over with hot water and left to stand until it has soaked up. It takes a couple of hours to a day. These should swell slightly in the process – seeds that do not should be discarded. The swollen seeds are then placed in germ-free seed compost and covered with a thin layer of soil. This pot should then be moved to a warm, bright location; the soil must always be kept slightly moist. In addition to propagation via seeds, the mimosa can also be grown from cuttings – these usually put new roots in a glass of water very quickly. Hobby gardeners who have adapted well to caring for a mimosa can easily grow new plants every year. Older plants in particular, which have already flowered often, are less beautiful, so that young offspring are very welcome.

The propagation of the mimosa at a glance:

• Propagation by seeds or cuttings
• best to multiply in spring
• Pre-germinate seeds before exposure
• Use germ-free seed compost, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil
• always keep slightly moist, do not water too much
• warm, bright place to wear

Diseases and pests

The main enemy of the mimosa is the spider mite. The plants are often attacked by these pests, especially in the winter months. A high level of humidity works best against this, as the spider mites prefer warm and dry air. The plant should therefore be checked regularly, especially in the months when the apartment is heated strongly.