PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day, with partial shade during extreme midday heat
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; tolerate short periods of drought once established
Temperature
Prefers warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, fern-like leaves that fold when touched or disturbed
- Flower: Round, fluffy pink pom-pom inflorescences, 2–3 cm in diameter
- Stem/Bark: Woody, branching stems covered in sharp, recurved thorns for defense
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply balanced diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization entirely during autumn and winter dormancy
Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute the tea 1:20 with water before applying as a root drench to support flowering and stem strengthPruning
- Wear thick gloves to avoid injury from sharp thorns during pruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches in early spring to encourage bushier growth
- Trim back sprawling stems to maintain a compact shape and prevent invasive spread in garden settings
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental for its touch-sensitive foliage and fluffy pink flowers; used in traditional folk medicine in some tropical regions
