TickleMe Plant

by Samantha Cooke
(Chappaqua, N.Y.)

Every child smiles when they see a TickleMe Plant Move!

Every child smiles when they see a TickleMe Plant Move!

My child had the most fun demonstrating her TickleMe Plant for show and tell. The TickleMe Plant will close its leaves and lower its branches when you tickle it. All the kids and the teachers were so excited to see it.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Facts about TickleMe Plant
by: Anonymous

Also called Touch-me-not, Shy plant, Humble plant, Sleeping grass

The scientific name is Mimosa pudica

Why do these plants closes? Are they shy? Do they not like to be tickled or touched ?
There is water on the cell wall of the plant that hold the plant upright. When touched, a chemical is released that triggers water to leave the cells. When the water leave the cells, the plant closes up and droop.

The leaf-folding is useful to scare away grazing animals or insects. The rain water on the plant may run-off quickly, and make the thorns on the plant more visible to potential predators. Yes, there are thorns but not the kind that prick your little fingers.

The leaves also fold closed at night and re-open at sunrise.

These plants can grow quite big – can be many feet tall and wide.

These plants only live for 1 to 2 yrs.
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starstarstarstarstar 		How To Grow A Tickle Me Plant
by: Lucy

The Tickle Me Plant is commonly called: sensitive plant, humble plant,or touch-me-no.
The botany name is Mimosa Pudica.

You can grow them from seed.
1) Soak the seeds in warm water overnight.
2) Insert the seeds about 1/8 of an inch deep into potting soil.
3) Keep it moist by covering the pot with clear plastic.
4) Move the plant to a brighter place when it sprouts. These plants like sunshine, so it should be placed in the sunny part of the house if planted indoor.

It will take at least a month or more before the tickle me plant is ready to react to touch.

Have them in your house and let your kids and friends enjoy them.

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