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Rare and fascinating, the Dancing Plant Codariocalyx motorius is finally available in the shop. Limited supply !
The famous sensitive plant, folding up its leaves when touched. Exceptional promotion !
Sensitive plants - online sale !
Sensitive plants
Seeds
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Our best selling sensitive plants
Codariocalyx motorius (Desmodium gyrans)
Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica
What is a sensitive plant ?
A sensitive plant is a vegetable able to react to a stimulation by making a light, more or less fast and sometimes visible movement to the naked eye movement. This reaction results mostly from a contact with animals, but can also be due to weather phenomenons such as rain and wind. For some of them, it's a means of protection, and for some others, it's an adaptation to their surrounding environment.
The famous Mimosa pudica is part of the first category. This species has the fastest movement of the Mimosa genus (which includes many "mobile" plants), and the fastest among sensitive plants. In good conditions, the folding speed of its leaves is similar to the closure of Dionaea muscipula traps, with the difference that the movement is defensive, and not offensive like for the carnivorous plant. Mimosa pudica folds up its foliage to seem less tasty (because frailer) to the predators eyes, and to protect itself from potentially harmful weather conditions. The plant remains "closed" by night.
There are many other sensitive plants, less popular but so fascinating, such as Biophytum sensitivum and Codariocalyx motorius (also known as Desmodium gyrans). This last one is one of the most incredible, by the subtle circular movement of its side leaflets which gives the impression that it dances.
Sensitive plants - cultivation
Sensitive plants usually come from tropical or even equatorial habitats. Therefore, they can be grown inside or in a warm greenhouse. Here are a few keys to grow them with success.
- Very luminous exposure, under full sun when the weather allows it.
- The temperature must be between 15 and 40°C.
- For a vigorous and harmonious growth, humidity must be high. Inside, don't put them close to heaters and spray water often. The best solution is a greenhouse or any structure that allows to maintain high humidity.
- Use a rich compost. Adding sand allows good drainage and gives air to the roots.
- Water preferably with rainwater or demineralized water. Calcareous water is lethal in the long term. Water a lot when it's warm, and mist the foliage. Water less in winter, so as to keep the soil slightly wet (once a week is enough).
- In spring and summer, it is beneficial to feed them with orchid fertilizer diluted to a quarter, twice a month, so as to bring minerals and nitrogen the plants need.
Happy growing :)
Exhibitions
2012
SAINT-JEAN DE BEAUREGARD (91, France), March 30th, 31th and April 1st
MULHOUSE (68, France), April 14th and 15th
SCHOPPENWIHR (68, France), April 28th and 29th
NANCY (54, France), May 5th and 6th
AUTREY (88, France), May 19th and 20th
BÉZOUOTTE (21, France), May 12th and 13th
L'ISLE-SUR-LE-DOUBS (25, France), June 8th, 9th and 10th
SAINT-JEAN DE BEAUREGARD (91, France), September 20th, 21th and 22th
