TOUCH ME NOT

Ian.
I have grown some plants that go under the name of Sensitive Plants. I got the seed as a present for Christmas and I have lost the instruction leaflet. I managed to sow the seeds in the soil provided and they germinated after about three weeks. All was well until I repotted them last week into bigger pots. Since putting them in individual 7cm pots the leaves are going yellow and dropping off. What am I doing wrong? K. T. Carn.

Reply.
The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) or “Touch- me- not” as it is also known, is a delicate branching plant that usually grows up to two feet tall. It is an attractive plant but its main claim to fame is that if you touch the leaves they automatically fold up and the branch flops down. The whole plant can appear to die within seconds of it being touched. This is its defence mechanism in the wild should any creature decide to try to nibble on a leaf for its dinner. The name is a bit misleading though as the plan itself isn’t difficult to grow at all. The plants can be raised by seed or by cuttings, in much the same way that you would busy lizzies. The plants like bright light with some direct sunshine and the leaves like to be misted regularly. Once the plants have come from the seed tray and put into a pot they shouldn’t really need re-potting. Your plants might not be happy if they are in a draughty place. Likewise they like a temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep them in an insulated room. Give the plants another week or so to get over the shock of having there roots disturbed to see if they pick up. If all of this fails I would look into the type of compost you have put the plants in. They might not like the regular peat composts that are available. Try using some John Innes mixes instead.

Horticultural.