Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) is a member of the Mimosa genus. The plant produces delicate, fern-like leaves and fluffy pink to purple flowers. Sensitive plant is a popular houseplant due to its remarkable leaves, which curl into themselves when touched. As the common name suggests, the leaves close when they are touched. Mimosa pudica prefers an average room temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it will grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. The plant may be grown outdoors as an annual in USDA zones 2 to 8. Sensitive plant should be planted in well-draining loamy soil enhanced with peat moss to improve drainage. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not water logged. Growth can be enhanced with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted to about half strength with water, applied to the soil every two weeks during the growing season. Always water first before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots. Sensitive plant may be propagated by seed indoors any time of the year. Seeds are quite tough, and should be nicked with a knife to help improve germination success. Seeds may also be placed in hot water and soaked overnight. Place seeds in a moist soil medium, cover with a light sprinkle of soil and place in a warm, bright location. Seeds generally take about a week to germinate Germination: 1. Place your seeds in warm water to soak for 8-12 hours. 2. Gently place your seeds barely under the soil, about 1/8 of an inch deep. 3. Gently water or mist the soil. Keep your soil moist but not overly wet. Flower pots or pellets should not be sitting in water. 4. Keep the seeds and soil in the sunniest and warmest location possible. Keep the temperature as close to 70 degrees or above. 5. You can try this with some of your plants: to add warmth and humidity when not using a Sensitive/ Shy Plant Greenhouse or Grow Kit, put a plastic bag over the top of your flower pots to keep in moisture and warmth; when doing this, make sure they don’t overheat in the direct sunlight. 6. The first leaves should sprout in about a week (these are not Shy). However, even these small Sensitive / Shy sprouts will begin “sleeping” at night, by closing their leaves. 8. In several weeks, the Sensitive/ Shy sprout will grow and move when they are tickled. Expect your plants to grow slowly during the winter season and to grow rapidly once the spring arrives!