- Can you also take care of a mimosa outdoors?
- How is the mimosa properly poured?
- Does the mimosa have to be fertilized?
- Can a mimosa be cut?
- How often do you need to repot mimosas?
- What pests to look out for?
- What diseases can occur?
- Why does the mimosa lose its leaves?
- Why shouldn't you touch the leaves?
- How is a mimosa properly overwintered?
Keeping a mimosa in the room is not easy. Although it is easier to care for than is commonly assumed, the plant only thrives under optimal conditions. This is what proper care looks like. A little care guide.
The mimosa likes to spend the summer outdoors
Can you also take care of a mimosa outdoors?
In summer, the mimosa really appreciates being outdoors. She prefers a sheltered spot that is very light and warm. It tolerates morning and evening sun well, but direct midday sun is not optimal.
In the room you can keep mimosas all year round at 18 to 22 degrees.
How is the mimosa properly poured?
Mimosas should not dry out completely. However, too much moisture is harmful. Water a mimosa only when the top layer of soil has dried. Avoid waterlogging and always pour off the water from the cachepot or saucer immediately.
Mimosas need relatively high humidity. It should be at least 50 percent. If necessary, place bowls of water near the plant. However, direct spraying should be avoided.
Use soft water or rainwater for watering.
Does the mimosa have to be fertilized?
Young mimosas are generally not fertilized. You can fertilize older plants, but this is not necessary. If you don't want to do without fertilizing, give some liquid fertilizer at two-week or monthly intervals. Cut the recommended dose in half.
Can a mimosa be cut?
Mimosas do not take pruning well. If you cut the shoots, there is a risk that the plant will not sprout again. So avoid cutting.
If you are experienced in keeping bonsai, you can try pruning the mimosa into shape.
How often do you need to repot mimosas?
The roots of the mimosa need enough space to develop. However, the pot must not be too big either, as this will have a negative effect on the flowering.
If possible, repot a mimosa in the spring when roots are growing out of the drainage hole below.
Freshly bought plants should also be repotted immediately.
What pests to look out for?
The spider mite is the most common. It leaves small webs on the leaf axils. Infestation is favored by low humidity. Ensure that the humidity is increased.
You should combat spider mites immediately, as they can be the cause of falling leaves.
Rinse the plant and use chemical agents against spider mites.
What diseases can occur?
Yellowing of the leaves indicates jaundice. It is caused by waterlogging. In addition, roots and shoots can rot if the root ball is kept too moist. Water less. Very wet root balls should be allowed to dry first.
Why does the mimosa lose its leaves?
If the mimosa loses its leaves, the following causes can be responsible:
- too dark location
- Plants are too close together
- Humidity is too low
You can try to save the mimosa by repotting it, replacing the old soil altogether.
Find a convenient location that is bright and warm. The plant also tolerates partially shaded locations. You should avoid direct sunlight at midday.
Why shouldn't you touch the leaves?
The mimosa leaves react to mechanical stimuli and heat. When you touch them with your fingers or an object, the leaves fold up. A chain reaction often sets in, with all the leaves gradually folding in. A lit match or lighter will produce the same reaction.
It takes about half an hour for the leaves to unfold again. This process robs the mimosa of a lot of energy. Some mimosa species do not cope well with this stress and die. Therefore, avoid touching the leaves as much as possible.
Drafts or wind do not bother the leaves. Folding is triggered exclusively by mechanical stimuli.
How is a mimosa properly overwintered?
Overwintering mimosas is not easy. Keeping the plant in winter causes problems. Above all, the low humidity plays a role here. That is why mimosas are often only kept as annuals, especially since it is quite easy to grow new plants from seeds. If you want to try overwintering a mimosa, be sure to keep it in the right position.
The mimosa overwinters in the living room or in another suitable place. It has to be as bright as possible. Do not place the mimosa directly next to a warm radiator.
In winter, the mimosa is poured even more sparingly than in summer. During this time there is no fertilization at all.
tips
Mimosas are considered non-toxic. At least no cases of poisoning have been reported so far. However, you should reconsider keeping a mimosa if there are children and pets living in the house.