How to Care for Tropical Mimosa Pudica

Grow the Mimosa pudica in an 8- to 10-inch pot filled with potting soil rich with peat moss or compost. Position the pot in a warm spot in your home, such as a south- or west-facing window with a consistent temperature between 65 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the selected site is protected from cold drafts and sources of heat.

Irrigate Mimosa pudica when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Although moderately tolerant of drought, the tropical plant thrives in evenly moist soils. Provide a steady flow of water until excess seeps out through the drainage holes. During the winter, irrigate the plant only when the top 3 inches of soil feel dry.

Place a humidifier near the plant to provide the 50 percent humidity it needs, especially in the winter. Alternatively, mist the foliage of the plant lightly every day, or place the pot over a tray filled with pebbles and water. However, keep the base of the pot slightly higher than the level of water in the tray to prevent root rot.

Feed the tropical plant a general-purpose fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants diluted to half its strength. Follow label directions for fertilizer application every 10 days when it is actively growing. Reduce fertilizer application to once every five weeks during the winter.

Snip off low-lying, rubbing or damaged branches during the growing season to encourage fullness and bushiness. Left unpruned, Mimosa pudica quickly becomes leggy and unattractive. Clipping off runners keeps the tropical plant healthy. Remove the clippings from the base of the plant to prevent the debris from harboring disease-spreading organisms.

Treat common pests such as aphids or spider mites with a spray of insecticidal soapy solution, or wipe infested foliage with a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol.