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[Frog Pajamas]

Hi everyone,

I have 3 five month old mimosa tenuiflora that got very floppy after repotting them a couple months ago.  They are still growing incredibly fast (about 4 feet tall), opening and closing, and a nice deep green, but they're totally droopy.

Is there any hope for a recovery? If not, should I compost them or is there a better use even at this age? Also, is blasting the younger ones with a fan sufficient to avoid this problem in the future?

Thanks!

[nobody]

Are they indoor or outdoor plants?

[Frog Pajamas]

Indoor.

[Seed Collector]

You might try to lower the light (or raise the plants closer to the light), and let the dirt become slightly more dry, as I've heard others talk about similar issues.

If that doesn't work, I'd prop them up with small gardening stakes (or some small rocks).


any pictures available?

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[Caium]

If I understand right, your plants need their first prune, to harden the trunk as it stimulate the roots produce cytokinin. It's good also to put some organic matter around them, like crushed egg shells and fruit peals.

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[Frog Pajamas]

Are there particular parts is should (or not ) prune?

[Caium]

Basically you cut the branches tips. It'll pause growing verticaly for some time and create more branches, while the trunk gets harder. Or if you don't want to stop it's growth just set some support fot it, like a stick beside the trunk to hold it.

[Frog Pajamas]

Ok, thanks everybody. I 'll prune and see if that will toughen them up. 

[Mandrake]

Another idea to keep in mind, particularly for indoor plants - give them some wind. A close fan that gently stirs leaves and stem will encourage root growth for a better grip, and thicker stem. Maybe you can first stabilize the plant as suggested and then move your ventilation fan closer to it.

Mandrake

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[happyconcacti]

As Mandrake said, keeping a fan on em works wonders.

I put fans on the MH starting at about a month old or 6" (15cm) tall.

If I understand right, your plants need their first prune, to harden the trunk as it stimulate the roots produce cytokinin. It's good also to put some organic matter around them, like crushed egg shells and fruit peals.

You might try cloning the cuttings. I just attempted this and will have tentative results later today.

Hcc

[Frog Pajamas]

I'm interested to hear how the cloning goes.  That would be great if mimosas root easily.

[happyconcacti]

Well, its been two days and they're not dead, so that's a good sign.

Ironically, they're all a little floppy.   

Well, a couple of the "Below node" cuts are standing upright.

They all have they're leaves open so I hope that's a good sign. This is the first time I've attempted cloning a leafy plant.


Hcc

[EIRN]

When a plant grow under low light condition is natural the plant stretch to reach light. All energy is spent to grow in high and there is almost no investment in self support. In M. tenuifolia it is perceptible if the distance between two leaves is more than 5 cm (2 inchs). If the distance is more than 5 cm just give more light, do not need cut branches.
M. tenuifolia have other characteristic. In initial development Mimosa likes to grow horizontally, more than vertically.
In natural habitat, near of equator line, M. tenuifolia grow in open areas….full sun light….they like a lot of intense sun light.

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[Frog Pajamas]

I think that is a large part of it, EIRN. Mine are all taller rather than full. Luckily, I am moving soon and looking for somewhere I can put all these guys outdoors for some natural light. 

[happyconcacti]

None of the cuttings took