Albizia julibrissin aka Mimosa
Taxonomy
Albizia julibrissin, also known as the Persian silk tree, pink silk tree, or mimosa tree, is a deciduous tree originating from southwestern and eastern Asia. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and was introduced to Europe by Italian nobleman Filippo degli Albizia in the 18th century. The specific epithet julibrissin comes from the Persian word gul-i abrisham, which means "silk flower". The tree is easily recognizable by its olive-green branches, dark gray bark, and pinnately divided leaves that can grow up to 40 cm long. The tree blooms all summer with dense inflorescences on long stems that resemble silky threads and have white or pink stamens and a white base. The pods of the tree are brown, contain several seeds, and can grow up to 20 cm long. Silk Tree, as it is also called, is a popular houseplant that requires regular watering and does best in direct light no more than 1 foot away from a window. It prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season. Albizia julibrissin is native to Iran, India, China, and Japan.
Common names
Mimosa, Persian Silk Tree, SilktreeHow to care for Mimosa
Difficulty
Caring for Mimosa can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.
Water
Mimosa should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Mimosa loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Mimosa thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Silktree.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Region of origin
Mimosa’s native range is W. Asia and E. Asia - Iran to China.
More info:
Wikipedia
