In most cases, keeping your Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) free from pests and diseases is totally doable! Usually, when these tropical beauties get sick, it’s down to a few hiccups in their care routine. With just a few simple precautions, you can keep your Mimosa looking vibrant and healthy for the long haul.
Common Mimosa Diseases
The two big troublemakers you’ll likely run into are:
- Root rot
- Stem rot
Both of these issues are caused by keeping the soil too wet or letting the plant sit in stagnant water. When things get too soggy, the roots start to decay and die off, which eventually takes down the whole plant. The first red flags to watch out for are yellowing leaves or a sudden loss of foliage.
Mastering the Watering Routine
The best way to prevent these diseases is to get your watering just right. You never want the roots to dry out completely, but you absolutely have to avoid “wet feet” (standing water). A pro tip: add a layer of gravel or clay pebbles to the bottom of your pot to ensure great drainage so excess water can flow right out.
First Aid for Your Plant
If you realize your soil is way too wet, it’s time for an emergency repotting. Move your Mimosa into a new pot with fresh, dry substrate. While you’re at it, trim away any mushy, rotten roots or dead stems. Hold off on watering for the first few days to let things dry out. With a little luck, your plant will bounce right back!
Dealing with Spider Mites
Spider mites are the most common pests for Mimosa plants. You’ll spot them by the tiny white webs on the leaves and stems—they look just like miniature spider webs. If you’re not sure, give the plant a light misting with water; the droplets will make the webs much easier to see.
These little pests feed on the sap in the leaves, sucking them dry until they turn yellow and drop off. To stop them from spreading to your other green friends, you’ll want to act fast.
Spider mites absolutely love dry air, so an infestation is usually a sign that the humidity is too low. To keep these critters away (and keep your Mimosa happy), make sure the air stays nice and humid. It’s the best way to prevent both drying out and pest problems!
