Mimosa pudica

MintyWood826

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
401
How do I grow these? I have some seeds but haven't ever been able to get them past small seedlings. Also how long do the seeds stay viable?
 

The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
11,044
They grow wild especially along the sides of waterways here, but the germination rate is probably very low. Maybe 1 out of 500. Once germinated they seem to like damp to very damp/swamp like soil.
 

schmiggle

Arachnoking
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Messages
2,220
Not sure how long the seeds stay viable. My grandma had a lot of luck just keeping one by a windowsill. I bet you might have better luck with a heat pad if you can get it.
 

MikeyD

Arachnosquire
Joined
Feb 3, 2017
Messages
136
Generally speaking winter is a poor time to germinate seeds unless you can offer warmth, a humidity dome, and consistent light like a artificial light source. If Relying on natural conditions then wait until spring to try again.
 

MintyWood826

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
401
I planted some seeds and so far one has germinated. Hopefully I can actually keep the seedlings alive this year.
 

MintyWood826

Arachnobaron
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
401
None of the other seeds sprouted. I'm not sure if it's because this one sprouted early or because the seeds are too old by now (I've been trying to use the same packet for a couple years). The lone seedling died, just like they did in past years. I may have overwatered this year but I'm not sure about the others.

I left it ouside for a while yesterday, not for the first time, and saw that it was wilted when I brought it in. I watered it because I thought maybe the sun had been too much. Today, it was still wilted, and I touched it for no reason. It just fell over and had no visible connection to roots. I dug the surface of the soil away with my finger to see if I could find roots and found a fungus gnat larvae.

At least last year I got some seedlings to having real leaves. :depressed:
 

MetalMan2004

Arachnodemon
Joined
Oct 14, 2016
Messages
676
I’ve had similar experiences with other swamp-loving plants, even in the humidity we have here. They seem to be very difficult to harden off/ adjust to ambient humidity.

I don’t have any real advise, just empathy :)
 
Joined
Apr 27, 2019
Messages
274
These are sensitive plants in more ways than one. I have successfully grown M. pudica in my semi-tropical greenhouse, but they do need great lighting and humidity to thrive.
 
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