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Blue Star Fern | Detailed Blue Star Fern Care Sheet

By Sarwat Rehman

The blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) is an epiphytic fern commonly known as ‘Golden Polypody’.

This popular houseplant, a member of the oak family, has curly bluish-green leaves that do not shed upon getting old. They prefer to branch into fingers and retain the plant’s attractiveness and symbolize star fern.

The interior of the house and your office too need a calm and air to freshen environment. This plant ‘blue star fern’ equally does justice with its air-purifying powerhouse nature.

You just need to follow blue star fern care sheet guide to freshly grow and maintain without pets and diseases.

Further Reading:

Blue Star Fern Care – Detailed Care Sheet

Phlebodium aureum, native to rainforests of South America, typically grows epiphytically; around stems of trees without damaging that shows this fern needs friendly.

You can easily maintain it by following the simple and easy guidelines that are discussed below.

Before going into a detailed care guide of blue star fern have a look at Phlebodium general summary.

Phlebodium Blue Star Fern Summary

  • Height: 0.6-1 m
  • Flower: Non-flowering
  • Foliage color: Bluish-green
  • Light exposure: Indirect, partial shade
  • Temperature: Generally, 15 – 25°C
  • Soil pH: Acidic 5.6 – 6.0
  • Soil conditions: Well-drained moist soil
  • USDA Hardiness Zone
  • 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
  • 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
  • 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
  • Toxicity: Safe (non-toxic)

1.Best Planting Place

This houseplant grows best in indirect sunlight.

Will tolerate shade.

Good light is most appropriate for the growth of Phlebodium aureum.

If you are placing near sunlight windowsill, it’s best to place it behind other plants so, it gets indirect sunlight. That is why ideal for homes and offices.

2. Choose Best Pot

To grow plant best needs appropriate conditions. If you want your fern to be evergreen, select the best pot.

A pot with a drainage hole is necessary as it doesn’t retain water and the plant would be safe from root rot.

You can choose a decorative pot, plastic nursery pot, or a hanging planter depending upon the place you selected for this funky fern.

blue star fern
Decorative Blue star fern

If you have selected decorative pot with drainage hole place saucer beneath so that drained water can go through hole.

Plastic nursery pot will give you option of decorative pot without drainage hole. You have to take fern out at watering time.

Drain at sink.

Hanging planter could be an option but as it is not a creeping fern that tends to hang down. But still give you pleasant look.

There are many indoor planter styles that you can select as per your need or space.

You can place it in your room or at office side table that will give you refreshing and soothing surrounding.

3. Blue Star Fern Soil

A well drained moist soil is best for growth of blue star fern. Natural potting soil gives good results.

Peat based soil mixed with pertile is also suggested but important thing to keep in mind is drainage. If you will not have proper drainage, water logging will cause problem for you.

4. Light and Temperature

Ferns grow very well in bright light conditions. Direct sunlight will damage curly fronds and spoil it beauty . Light sunshine will not cause much damage so you can place where it can get morning sunlight.

This fern flourishes best at 15-25°C (55-80°F).

5. Watering

Phlebodium aureum is native to tropical areas which means they require humidity and moist soil but don’t like to be over watered.

Water it once a week a keep an eye on it. When you see its drying water it properly. This plant also needs more watering in growing season and self-watering planters go best.

If you notice plant is not growing, decrease watering and humidify it.

Otherwise, there is no schedule for its watering.

Its ideal to give water from side because it does not like when water is directly poured on rhizome. You can pour water from side.

6. Feeding and Fertilization

Unlike other ferns, blue star fern does not require mush fertilization. You can add diluted regular plant fertilizer at initial stages of growth.

Avoid overfeeding!

7. Resting time!

If your fern is not growing, don’t be panic!

Its resting time of your blue star fern. Stop watering it in this time whereas, when you see it started growing, give it water and feed.

Phlebodium aureum Propagation – How to Propagate Blue Star Fern?

You can propagate Phlebodium aureum by dividing its rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs. But by rhizome is most easy and simple way to propagate that actually works.

Other methods can give you tough time.

For best and easy propagation:

  • Clean the tool which you are going to use for cutting
  • Cut a small fragment of rhizome and make sure that it has various leaves and sprinkle with charcoal
  • Take a pot with soil in it
  • Transfer rhizome and make sure roots are lying on soil surface. Not buried!
  • Water it appropriately to damp the soil

You can repot it if the size of the fern is exceeding the pot. It is ideal to repot this fern in the spring season.

blue star fern
Phlebodium aureum – Curly fronds

Phlebodium Blue Star Fern Problems

Taking care of this fern would not lead to problems but if you lose care it can cause slight trouble for you.

  • Too much moisture or poor drainage can lead to root rot
  • Poor light maintenance – leaves fall off ultimately fern degrades
  • Might be struck by the scale

Is Blue Star Fern Toxic to Cats?

Generally, ferns are safe. As its rhizome is reported to be a remedy for cough and kidney problems. It is not toxic for animals. Even cats and dogs are not at risk of blue star fern.

You can easily grow in presence of your lovely pets.

Now, by carefully following this detailed care sheet on ‘Blue star fern’ you can easily maintain your fern. Its place, suitable pot, and all of its requirements are comprehensively described for your funky fern.

Enjoy caring for your fern!

Read More:

What Do Squirrels Eat – Is Your Garden At Risk?

By Sarwat Rehman

A wondering question of a gardener “What do squirrels eat from garden?” is worth wondering. Sitting beneath your apple tree, you have noticed the nibbling of apples. Is that eaten by squirrels?

If yes, what more squirrels eat? Squirrels eat all they find.

They have a desire for Flower, buds, fruits, vegetables, bird seeds, and many more grown things from your garden.

Let us discover more about what squirrels eat from garden.

Squirrel Food: What Do Squirrels Like to Eat?

Most of the time, you have seen squirrels, the springing creatures in your garden, and wonder what is attracting them to my garden and questioned yourself “What do squirrels eat that they are camping my yard?”

You are just asking right yourself because there is something, not something, most of the things in the garden that squirrels are fond of.

Squirrels have strong taste buds.

Generally, their diet consists of fruits, nuts, and vegetables but like humans, they try anything that is available. There is no limitation to their diet.

They like to eat flowers, plants, young stalks, nuts, and even insects.

They are also foodies!

Typically, they do not stick to one food but have the curiosity to taste new food. Once they try, they become fond of it and start dining.

Their eating habits are making them capable to live in urban areas.

Squirrels are forest ambassadors that are now inhabiting our backyard gardens and yards to dine fresh, ripped fruits and vegetables.

Have a check on their favorite food!

Squirrel Food List – Favorite Food

Here is the answer to your wondering thought “What do squirrels eat from your garden”. Squirrels like

  • Plant materials and vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Squirrels eat nuts and walnuts

As squirrels are vegetarians and have to die heart craving to these things from the garden but they also have a natural appetite for

  • Cereals
  • Bird seeds
  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Insects

Plant Materials and Vegetables

Fresh vegetables and plant materials add flavors to squirrel’s diet.

They love to eat them. Gardeners must be aware of it and have some precautionary measures to protect the garden’s vegy asset.

Young plants with soft growth tips are most liked by squirrels.

In addition to vegetables, plant materials and green parts of young plants are delicious for squirrels. Passing squirrels from the garden are definitely attracted towards branches, new leaves, buds, young stalks of plants, and soft twigs.

Squirrels drool to see leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, chard, or spinach and attack to fulfill the desire.

They also find other vegetables delicious like

  • Root vegetables
  • Tomatoes
  • Beans
  • Asparagus
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Peas
  • Corn
what do squirrels eat
Squirrel enjoying corn in the garden

Fruits – Squirrels Like to Eat

Having sweet and delicious ripped fruits is drooling for everyone. So is the case with squirrels.

They eat fruits with keenness.

They can easily climb on fruit trees and snatch fruits with full devotion. You have noticed leaping squirrels several times in your yard that jump from mango tree to apple and all-around other trees.

Squirrels will also eat any berries they can get their hands on such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and more.

Squirrels need high energy for scrambling and to hunt food for winters.

These fruits are a supplement source of energy for squirrels and keep them energetic.

These foraging creatures also need fruits in their diet as a necessary element because sweet sugar-rich fruits add carbohydrates to their diet.

  • Pears
  • Avocados
  • Figs
  • Plums
  • Bananas
  • Peaches
  • Kiwi
  • Watermelons
  • Cherries
  • Melon
What do squirrels eat
Squirrel eating apple

Squirrels Eat Nuts and Walnuts

Yes! Nuts and walnuts are prime interests of squirrels. Keeping the desire fulfilled with body need is important! Nuts are among their naturally desired foods.

Squirrels have an amazing sense of it!

Like other opportunistic rodents, bushy-tailed tree squirrels also have constantly grown four front teeth so, they don’t wear down from the constant gnawing.

To prepare for winters, squirrels bury their food in fall as you have seen holes in your yard.

They are dig and filled by squirrels to have a safe time when food is no longer available for them.

Among nuts almonds and walnuts are the most preferred ones.

Yet others are

  • Acorns
  • Pecans
  • Hazelnuts
  • macadamia nuts
  • Pistachios
  • Cashews
  • Chestnuts
  • Hickory nuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Beechnuts

Some of the seeds are also attacked by squirrels like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and safflower seeds. Now you must be aware of this naughty creature after sowing seeds to your garden.

what do squirrels eat
Squirrel nibbling peanuts

Other Foods

In addition to above mentioned vegetarian food and nut diet, squirrels also consume cereals, insects, bird seeds, cheese, eggs.

In absence of fruits, protein deficiency is supplemented by insects like caterpillars, larvae, and bugs, etc.

Squirrels find cereals, cheese, and eggs as a tasty diet and add them to their menu.

Bird seeds are also stolen by squirrels to fulfill their seed craving.

If you are noticing that birds feed is all gone before birds eat, you must be sure that squirrels are making you fool and eating from bird’s feed.

Food Not Liked by Squirrels

Foodie squirrels don’t say no to most of the food. They try anything they see!

But few things that squirrels avoid includes

  • Raw onion and garlic
  • Flower bulbs of allium, daffodil, snowdrop, and hyacinth
  • Hot and spicy chili

Squirrel Exclusion – Need of Safe Gardening

All of your efforts to grow plants go fruitless when squirrels attack them.

In order to have a safe garden, you must follow a care guide to exclude squirrels from your garden.

There are some measures you can take to keep squirrels out of your garden.

  • You can use natural squirrel repellents or a new technique of using hot sauce on plants as repellents are working.
  • You can also spread mulch and cover plants or use physical barriers like nets or caging to grow plants. In this way, your fruiting plant will be saved.
  • You can also trim branches to discourage leaps from one tree to other and use traps if not any other strategy is working.

The eating habits of squirrels are emerging as their ecological habitat is changing. This wild forest creature is now compelled to adapt to urban habitats.

When we will have diversity in our garden, poor squirrels will be definitely curious to taste them.

From nuts and walnuts to tasty ripped tomatoes and sweet apples would be quite a mouth watering for them.

But we as gardeners can not allow to spoil our passionately grown food and must take humane steps to get rid of them.

Star of Bethlehem Flower: 7 Exceptional Care Tips for Best Growth

By Sarwat Rehman

Star of Bethlehem plant delicately embellishing Star of Bethlehem flower is a bulbous perennial belonging to Lily family.

This winter bulb is native to the Mediterranean region spreading along banks of streams and ditches.

Six petaled Star of Bethlehem flower add to the glory of the plant and if you will grow this plant, you will find it soothing.

In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.

Love them! These floral friends would never let you fade.

If you want to beautify your garden with the Star of Bethlehem flower, you must follow the given guide.

You will get about flower meaning and significance, growth, most noteworthy care tips, uses, and warnings to have full blooms.

Further Reading;

Star of Bethlehem Plant: A Splendid Plant to Grow

Star of Bethlehem plant (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is perennial with white star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.

It is similar to garlic but does not have a garlic odor when crushed.

Flowers of Star of Bethlehem form clusters with arch-shaped strap-like green foliage.

They are perfect garden ornamental plants with flowers that bloom for 1-3 weeks even in a vase placed at your table.

There are almost 50 to 300 species but some are favored for gardeners. Here are some popular species of Ornithogalum

  • Ornithogalum arabicum

  • Ornithogalum. magnum

  • O. nutans

  • Ornithogalum. thyrsoides
  • O. dubium

Star of Bethlehem Flower Meaning – Etymological and Color Significance

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. The Star of Bethlehem Flower has special religious significance in Christianity too.

It is also known as Ornithogalum where “ornithos” means “bird” and “gala” means “milk” indicating “bird’s milk flower”.

The flower bulbs of this plant are also referred to as ‘Dove’s Dung’ and this name of the flower is still used in some cultures.

Piety white Star of Bethlehem Flower supplements glory of plant and are most commonly known but Star of Bethlehem plant with a different colored flower are also grown.

These may be orange, yellow, blue, purple colored flowers each with significant meanings like:

White – a symbol of peace, innocence, honesty, and purity

six petaled Star of bethlehem Flower
Six Petaled White Ornithogalum umbellatum

Yellow – a sign of joy and happiness

Purple – depicts royalty due to its uniqueness

Orange – although not very common but is a symbol of optimism and joy  

Blue – shows a high level of respect and dignity

You can also use the white flower to make beautiful bouquets for greetings in addition to floral arrangements for Christian ceremonies like marriages and baptism.

Above all, you can also beautify your garden with these enchanting flowers and make parties delightful with decorations.  

How to grow Star of Bethlehem Flower– 3 Easy to Follow Steps

If you want to beautify your garden with the Star of Bethlehem flower, fall is the best time to plant.

1. See Your Zone

Different species of Ornithogalum grow well in different zones. Generally, Star of Bethlehem is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Ornithogalum dubium is hardy to USDA 8 through 11 while O. umbellatum and O. nutans are hardy to zone 6-9.

2. Select the Best Place

Ornithogalum is a sun-loving plant and grows best in full sun. You can plant it in a landscape that gets full sunshine.

But it can also grow in partial shade.

If you are having only a free site where partial sunlight comes, then you can also plant there.

Your efforts will not go fruitless!

3. Plant the Star of Bethlehem Flower Bulb

Growing Star of Bethlehem flower in your garden s not difficult. Rather it’s very easy.

You can do it on your own!

You just need to get things needed and plant with care by following this procedure:

Organic and humus-rich soil is best for the growth of Star of Bethlehem therefore, try to provide medium moisture and well-drained soil mixtures.

As far as soil type is concerned, it can easily grow and propagate in ordinary garden soil but sandy and loamy soils are preferred for best growth.

As the plant is easy to spread and can invade other plants, take a container to grow safely.

Dig a hole in soil and plant bulb of Star of Bethlehem about 3-6 inches deep and 10 to 15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.

Be sure about the environment in which you are living and plant accordingly.

But if you think you are at borderline for plant hardiness, place the bulb deeper in soil consequently it will give good results.

 

Ornithogalum umbellatum- Star of bethlehelm
Ornithogalum umbellatum– Beautifully Grown in Garden

Set the bulb with pointed ends facing up. Now cover the bulb with soil and water as per need.

Your beautiful white flower will bloom and beautify your garden.

Star of Bethlehem Flower Care: 7 Exceptionally Workable Tips

Plants need care and maintenance. If they would be attacked by diseases or wilt, the beauty of the garden will be ruined.

  1. Mostly they are not at high risk of insects or pesticide attacks. Blue rot and root rot attack plants with soggy soil having improper drainage.
  2. You must take care when watering this delicate plant. Do not overwater because the plant needs average watering.
  3. Take special care of soil drainage as you will see by giving good drainage plant health will also increase. 
  4. Improve drainage of the soil, health will be improved.
  5. As Star of Bethlehem is invasive and can grow easily and quickly it must be grown in a container so that other plants remain safe. Avoid cutting and mowing when bulbs are at beginning of growth.
  6. Apply general purpose, houseplant liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
  7. Once leaves have started yellow after flowering is over, stop watering until new growth appears.

Star of Bethlehem Flower Uses and Benefits

Star of Bethlehem plant has its own significance in the garden as people are using it as a remedy from ancient times. Here are some beneficial uses that you must know if you have or wants to grow in the garden.

1. Shock Healing

It is an effective remedy for shocks that might be of any sort like shock, accident, distress, after effect shock of any bad or unexpected news or event.

It is also a remedy to console or figure out emptiness or loss that occurs when someone special is lost or died.

This shock healing plant neutralizes your present or past shocks even that of your childhood.

2. Heart Failure

Extract of Star of Bethlehem is good in curing heart failure. Most people use it for congestive heart failure.  Many people who took its extract felt wellness in their heart function.

As heart patients need more precautions, one must consult a doctor prior to considering it as a remedy for heart failure.

3. External Application

It is applied to the skin against blisters or ulcers externally.

4. Homeopathy

Bulbs of Star of Bethlehem flower are also used in a homeopathic remedy.

5. Cancer Treatment

Certain forms of cancer are treated using the Star of Bethlehem.

6. Emotional Pain

Suicidal behavior, sadness, or a state of discomfort are relieved by plant extract.  

Is Star of Bethlehem Flower Invasive?

Growing a plant with a cool and pretty flower-like Star of Bethlehem flower is amazing. But often things go at a path where they are not directed to.

Star of Bethlehem also shows sort of directionless growth if allowed to grow without a container. It has some invasive nature to grow, grow and grow where wants to grow in its vicinity.

It might be the case that if you have enjoyed the charm of Star of Bethlehem flower and want to place it with other flowering plants, it is not so easy to get rid of it.

This plant has waxy leaves and is quite herbicide-resistant.

But above all don’t be disappointed.

You need to do some effort to clear up the place. You have to individually dig up each bulb.

That is why it must be handled carefully.

Grow but With Care – Warning!

If you are growing this plant, you must be aware of its pros and cons.

The bulb and foliage contain toxic alkaloids and could be dangerous for animal livestock or pets.

But it does not mean that you can not have this exceptionally beautiful plant in your garden and outdoors.

You just need to follow some safety measures.

Try to plant in inaccessible areas of your dogs, cats, or other grazing animals if you plant outdoor.

Hope if you were lacking any information about Star of Bethlehem Flower, you have got ideal knowledge about it and if you were planning to grow after some time, you will definitely grow promptly.

Now plant it, care for it and appreciate its captivating beauty!

Read More:

Cat Grass – Learn What Is Cat Grass and How You Can Easily Grow Indoors

By Sarwat Rehman

Have you ever heard cat grass? Does it sound normal that cats eat grass although they are carnivores?

But yes! Cats not only eat but have craving for cat grass as snacks.

Cat grass is a type of cereal grass that is a healthy indoor garden corner of fluffy kittens. It is must for cat parent who loves gardening.

Being a gardener cat parent, here you will get all the details about what is cat grass, its types, growth conditions, and all the benefits that your cats will have when you will grow your own grass.

What Is Cat Grass?

Cat grass (Dactylis glomerate) is used to describe different types of grasses that cats love to eat as snacks and is beneficial for cats as it helps in digestion.

It also contains vitamins and minerals that the cat needs.

Despite eating meat, they have craving for greenery as well!

It is typically grown from barley, oat, rye, or wheat seeds. This indoor-grown grass is safe and healthy for your cats as compared to outdoor that might contain chemicals or pesticides that are harmful to be consumed. 

So, don’t let your cats go outside. Cherish them at home!

cat grass grown indoor
Cat grass – grown indoors

Types of Cat Grass

At stores, you often see packets labeled as “cat grass”. What do that packets contain?

It is basically a blend of seeds that grow to cat grass.

In addition to a blend of seeds, you can choose a single type to grow a specific type that your fur baby likes.

Basically, there are four types of cat grass each having a different set of benefits and qualities but each is special for your cats.

Different cats like different grasses.

So, it would be a good idea to try these types and give your cats a variety of greenery.

1. Oat grass

True cat grass is “Oat Grass” having a sweeter taste than others making it more delicious. Oat grass seeds readily give a robust growth for your cats. 

Usually, it requires direct sunlight to grow.

That is why it must be kept in windows facing towards the sun.

2. Wheat Grass

Wheat grass contains a significant amount of minerals and vitamins.

Containing 70% chlorophyll and packed with amino acids, it is not only nutritious for pets but also beneficial for humans to add to the diet.

3. Rye Grass

Rye grass has smaller blades and could be a perfect lounge as a grass tray to play on.

This is more durable and can easily spring back when cats roll in it.

4. Barley Grass

Barley grass is a tall and quickly growing grass that reaches up to 14 inches. Barley grass powder is also well-known for organically rich cat grass. 

It is also a good source of vital minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients that are good for blood circulation.

Is Cat Grass Good for Cats?

Cats like to eat cat grass and it is of no worry.

You must be glad if your cats are craving greenery because there might be some reasons that they want to change their taste from meat to vegetarian.

But you might think how much grass is safe for your cat?

Generally speaking, small doses would be safe.

It depends on your cats that how they respond and how much their stomach allows to be ok.

One thing you must consider is that you provide your cat with safe and healthy indoor cat grass.

As lawns have chances to be contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides.

They would be dangerous for your fur friends.  

This problem could be easily overcome by growing your own grass in sterilized conditions. There would be no worry about pesticides or other chemicals.

You can also give their favorite grass by mixing and blending different seeds and let them enjoy.

Your cat will be happy, you will be happy!

cat grass
Cat grass

How to Grow Cat Grass?

If you are a pet lover and have little furry cats, you must be very concerned about them.

Cats like to eat greenery as they like its taste and find it relieving.

But what if they eat from outside and get some health issues? Obviously, it would be quite painful for you.

To overcome this issue, you must grow it at your place. Your grown cat grass would be simply healthy and refreshing for your cat.

Growing indoors is quite easy and a fantastic job giving cats healthy greenery in their easy access.

Here is the way you can have your kitty garden:

Things You Need

Before growing cat grass you must collect things you will need.

Check the list whether you are having

  • Cat Grass Seeds
  • An Appropriate Container
  • Organic Potting Soil, avoid using potting soil as it contains fertilizers that would not be good as kittens play digging soil
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Water

Planting and Growth

A simply easy way to grow cat grass indoors is

  1. Add potting organic soil to the container about 2 inches below the top f container.
  2. Sprinkle a handful of seeds over the soil and put a thin layer of soil over seeds to about ¼ inch.
  3. Now add enough water to damp the soil. When you are done with this cover the container with plastic wrap (not too tightly) in such a way air can flow. Place the container ina warm and dark area.
  4. 70 0 F is the ideal temperature at which seeds will sprout.
  5. Wait and monitor. Don’t let the soil dry.

In two to three days you will see tiny sprouts emerging from the soil.

When seedlings are about an inch high, remove the plastic wrap ensuring that the soil is not dry. Transfer the container to a sunny location so that they can receive direct sunlight.

Windowsill is perfect for this but try not to reach your curious cat.

Just wait for ten to twelve days until grass reaches above 4-6 inches high. If you don’t wait cat will surely destroy it very quickly.

Now the wait is over!

Allow your cat to have delicious grass without any further delay. She will enjoy nibbling it!

How to Care for Cat Grass?

When you are done with growth you must follow some very easy tips to keep grass fresh and cat happy:

  • Watering is very important. As the surface soil dries, gently moisten it with a spray bottle and never let it dry.
  • Keep the seeds in the soil moist but don’t soak.
  • Try to provide immature grass to cats as mature grass is rough to consume. Grow it in multiple containers at different times to provide cats fresh and healthy grass.
  • Trim the grass on a regular basis so that damaged or diseased foliage can be removed.
  • As the grass changes its color and blades turn yellow it indicates improper light. Place the grass in strong indirect sunlight for few hours.
  • You may also sow the seeds again to grow new grass.
  • Avoid overwatering!

Cat Grass Benefits

Having your garden without a kitty garden corner would be injustice with your kittens as it is a non-toxic healthy snack that cats seek out.

You must grow your own grass because it contains several benefits as:

  1. Contains niacin and B vitamin
  2. Helps in removing hairballs
  3. Source of essential vitamins and folic acid
  4. Satisfies cats craving for greenery
  5. Non-toxic, cats enjoy eating without ruining other plants
  6. Prevents build-up of hairballs in the stomach of cats
  7. Speed up digestion due to high fiber content
  8. Induce vomiting and help to get rid of indigestible matter i.e. prey bones or fur
  9. Keep cats away from hazardous houseplants
  10. Cats do not go outside to fulfill their desire

Hope you find it easy and simple to grow cat grass at your place. You can also manage and take care of your pre-grown grass.

Now you will be tension-free from cats consuming chemically treated outdoor grass. It would be fascinating for your cats too.

Cats will enjoy their garden corner and not go outside!

Touch Me Not Plant (Mimosa pudica): How to Grow with 10 Amazing Facts

By Sarwat Rehman

Touch me not plant (Mimosa pudica) is a plant full of shyness under its protectiveness is a masterpiece of nature.

People find this plant fascinating due to its shy nature of closing and opening leaves.

As it is said, “Plants are social organizations,” so this Touch me not plant is the real face of it.

You can also easily grow this plant by following this article.

Here you will get an easy way to grow and propagate with care, uses, and all amazing facts and information about this happiness-giving plant. 

Further Reading:

What Kind of “Touch Me Not Plant” Is?

Have you ever heard plants moving? You must hear but would never have seen.

Touch me not plant (Mimosa pudica), a shy sleeping plant that people love to grow, is due to its fascinating movements.

Its Fan like movements gives them a happy smile.

Mimosa pudica is native to Tropical South and Central America. Growing this sensitive plant is fairly easy as it doesn’t require any sophisticated conditions.

It can easily grow indoor when you start with a cozy environment.

The plant is perennial, 30-40 cm in height, but is usually grown as annual because it is not so easy to keep it alive in winters but, if managed, you can have plenty of seeds.

Touch Me Not Flower

 Mimosa pudica is a shrubby annual and perennial plant with a fluffy ball-like pretty pink flower that blooms all the way. Hundreds of fine filaments make flowers bloom.

Touch me not flower
Touch me not flower

Touch Me Not Plant Leaves

 Likewise, with pretty pompom-like pink flowers, this sensitive plant has amazing sets of leaves that fold up when getting a stimulus of touch; by an individual, an insect, or strong blowing wind.

They find it disturbing and dangerous.

Every time touched, their leaves droop on the stem in a synchronized way that recovers after a few minutes when it feels danger is gone.

Young plants give the quickest movements in bright sunshine.

Their leaves fold up at night to sleep, that’s why they called sleepy plants as is sleeping beauty.

Touch Me Not Plant Scientific Name – Renowned Common Names

The scientific name of Touch me not plant is Mimosa pudica.

Just like nicknames of individuals due to certain characteristics, this plant also has certain names that depict its characters as well as love with this plant.

  • Sensitive plant
  • Action plant
  • Sensible plant
  • Humble plant
  • Shameful plant
  • Chuimui
  • Amourette herbe
  • Lojjaboti
  • Prayer plant

You can also have a fun experience touching its feathery leaves. Kids love cuddling sensitive plants.

How to Grow Touch me Not Plant ??? Use Touch Me Not Seeds

Growing touch me not plant (Mimosa pudica) is so easy and fun-loving even kids can also enjoy growing with amazing touch me not kids gardening kit. 

This plant is a specific houseplant that you can grow indoor using seeds. They do not need many pampered conditions that you can easily provide.

Get Touch me not plant seeds here: 

Growth Requirements: 6 Requirements You Must Follow

Here are some important requirements you must fulfill to grow Touch me not plant

1. Potting Soil

The first, most important thing is the soil in which seeds are grown. Mimosa pudica can grow easily in any type of soil but grows best in moist and well-drained soil.

You can use commercially available potting soil or indoor potting mix but if you want to make it on your own, it is very easy. You have to mix two parts peat moss, two parts loamy soil, and one part builder’s soil.

If you will do this way, you will get the best soil.

2. Pot Selection

As sensitive plants like moist soil grow, self-watering pots are best for their growth.

One more important thing you must keep in your mind is that the pot must contain holes so that the soil cannot get soggy.

3. Proper Light Source                   

 Sensitive plants require bright light. If they are not in proper light, their leaves will get fold and will never be able to recover.

That is why if you are growing indoors, place them in the window that receives direct sunlight (an east-facing window is ideal) for proper growth.

Artificial lighting e.g. full-spectrum fluorescent lighting can also be used if proper sunlight is unavailable.

4. Temperature and pH of Soil               

Place this plant in a warm temperature to grow easily. It requires a 20-23oC (75-85o F) temperature.

pH 6-7 is best suitable for its propagation.

5. Watering

Give proper water when the plant is in a growing phase but reduce in winters.

6. Fertilization

Fertilize the plant after regular intervals of time. Use best all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month for proper growth. 

touch me not plant leaves
Touch me not leaves

Grow Your Plant- 3 Steps Easy Way

After considering all requirements for the growth of Mimosa pudica, here is simple three steps practically beneficial way to grow touch me not plant:

1. Soak the Seeds 

 Soak the seeds in a container full of warm tap water for few hours so that seeds can sprout faster. By soaking, the outer tough seed coat weakens and helps to sprout fast.

Before soaking seeds of Mimosa pudica, choose the best appropriate planting time.

Spring is best for planting indoors. If you have good temperature and light control, you can grow at any time.

2. Plant the Seeds

After soaking the seeds, transfer them from the container of warm water to the potting soil mixture. Plant the seeds almost 1/8th inch of the soil and place them in a warm place.

Wait to sprout after covering it. It may take a week.

3. Get Plants    

After a week or two, you will get young plants.   

Propagation

To grow new plants from mature is quite easy. What you have to do is to follow the simple guidelines and you will get new plants.

  • Cut a shoot from the mature sensitive plant.
  • The selected shoot must have at least one node on it and a size ranging from 10-12 cm (approximately 4 inches) is most appropriate for propagation.
  • Take the potting mixture in a pot and make a small hole by digging.
  • Now place the shoot in it and fill in the hole.
  • Cover the top of the pot with a plastic sheet to make a humid environment so that the shoot can grow easily.

Have a check on the soil condition and temperature. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. If it is dried, give it water on a regular basis and maintain temperature as well.

You can get Mimosa pudica here and enjoy propagation. 

Touch Me Not Plant Uses – Top 7 Medicinal Uses

  1. The problem of excessive urination can be solved with the paste of the leaves of this plant. Apply the paste of the leaves on the lower abdomen. It will give good results to reduce excessive urination.
  2. It is also beneficial to treat insect bites. Make a paste of leaves and stem and apply on the affected area twice a day.
  3. If you are having high blood pressure, you can try it but also take medicine side by side.
  4. Mimosa plant is highly beneficial to treat hair loss and baldness. It helps in the growth of new hair cells and certain shampoos are also available containing extract of this plant.
  5. Touch me not plant has anticonvulsive properties and is widely used in traditional African medicine.
  6. Mimosa plant has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties and is widely used to treat infections.
  7. This plant also has anti-venom and anti-inflammatory properties.           

Mimosa pudica Care

Caring for Mimosa pudica is not difficult. You can have much with little effort. Here are some caring tips you should follow to care for your sensitive plant:

Disease Control

As plant require moist conditions to grow that is why it is susceptible to fungal attack. Your lovely touch me not may be attacked by aphids and scales so, do not overwater and have a proper check on it.

Pruning

After the flowers bloom, remove dried leaves and shorten stems so that too-long stems would be no longer their part.

Thorns Removal

Mimosa pudica contains thorns that may hurt you. You must remove them so that they can not damage your hands and in this way, the plant will be safe.

touch sensitive plant
Touch me not plant with thorns

Mimosa pudica: 10 Amazing Facts You Must Know

  1. This plant is exceptionally significant against cobra venom. The aqueous extract of its roots is beneficial in neutralizing the poisonous effects of the monocled cobra.
  2. “Mimosa pudica” the Latin name of Touch me not plant arises from its unusual habit to shrink its leaves when touched (“Pudica” means “bashful”)
  3. The rate of seed production is quite high as it can produce over 600 seeds per year. This high amount of seeds is because of their extensive growth.
  4. The plant closes its leaves at night and opens in the day. It also sleeps!
  5. The Alkaloid Mimosine, a toxic compound when used in high amounts, is present in Mimosa pudica. So, avoid consuming it in high doses. 
  6. The plant shows Thigmonastic movements when getting touch stimulus.  
  7. Mimosa blooms during the summer.
  8. This sensitive plant has a beneficial effect over other plants. It lives in symbiosis, a beneficial relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, as a result, the soil is enriched with nitrogen and bacteria get food from plants.
  9. Mimosa plant protects itself from predators but never attacks and gets rude like carnivorous Venus Fly Trap. It just eliminates annoying insects and hides from people disturbing it.
  10. It may be grown as an annual plant; having a life span of one year or a perennial plant with a life span of over two years.

Also, know about amazing flowering

Science Behind – Why Mimosa Plant Closes When Touched?

One can think why sensitive plants show movements? Whether they have a brain or any type of reflex system?

It remained a mystery from early times and scientists are showing great interest to explore this. But the fact is they are not having any type of brain.

As far as the science behind the opening and closing of plant leaves is concerned, it is found that specialized hinge-like structures called “Pulvinus” are present in leaves that contain oppositely working motor cells.

When leaves recognize stimulus, they release chemicals that cause water to flow out of the motor cells on one side of the pulvinus and into matching cells on the opposite side.

As a result, turgor pressure changes cause cells to collapse and expand giving plants fan-like movements upon touch or other stimuli. 

Sensitive plants also exhibit learning behavior on the continuous application of external triggers. This amazing learning behavior was shown by Mimosa pudica in experiments when scientists sprinkled water on plants.

They responded the first few times but stopped responding after the experiment was performed few more times.

An interesting thing about the experiment was that the same plants were sprinkled with water after one month and they did not show a response. Plants showed learned behavior.

They found it safe.

 

 

So, in light of all the above facts and information, it would not only be easy but also very interesting for you to grow this shy and sensitive “Touch me not plant”. Hope this article provided all that you were looking for.

Now you can grow pretty flowers containing beautiful plants and have fun seeing its nastic, sleep-awake movements.