Mimosa pigra
Mimosa pigra · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around mimosa pigra and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (yellow ball-shaped flowers)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m in height and width
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, subtropical to tropical climate
- Origin
- Central and South America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, acid-tolerant
Care
Regular watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during growth periods. In hot weather, water frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Gradually reduce watering in winter if the plant loses its leaves. Preferably use non-limey water.
Exposure and light
Place your mimosa in a very sunny spot, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south or west-facing exposure is preferable. Insufficient light will slow growth and reduce flowering.
Soil preparation
Use a well-draining mix enriched with organic matter: potting soil, coarse sand, and a little sphagnum moss. Be sure to avoid stagnant water, which promotes root rot. A slightly acidic pH is beneficial.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. In temperate climates, more severe pruning in late winter can be done to promote vigor.
Nutritional support
Apply balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the growing season (spring-summer), once or twice a month. Reduce applications in autumn-winter. Well-decomposed compost on the surface also provides nutrients gradually.
Prevention and health
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, especially indoors or in dry climates. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to limit fungal issues. In case of infestation, rinse the foliage or use biological treatments. Check root condition regularly.
Did you know?
Mimosa pigra is renowned for its incredible reactivity: its leaves close instantly at the slightest touch or at nightfall, a phenomenon called "nyctinasty". This remarkable adaptability allows it to protect itself and reduce its exposure to the intense light of the humid tropical regions where it originally comes from.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.