I appreciate you stopping by to water the plants while I was gone last week. You think you may have killed one of them accidentally? I think I know which plant you mean. Did you happen to touch it? Yeah, that grew from my Zombie plant seeds. It’s totally normal, it just likes to play dead, but it will perk back up in no time!
A Zombie plant, also known as a Tickle Me plant, is a reactive touch plant. When you touch the leaves or stem, the plant will “play dead” by retracting its leaves. Extreme temperatures can also trigger the reaction, though the Zombie plant is most often kept as a houseplant.
Grow an easy to care for and entertaining houseplant with these Zombie plant seeds!
A Zombie plant is a real plant that plays “dead” when touched, only to come back to “life” a short while later.
You’ll receive two packets of Zombie plant seeds, for a total of 20 seeds. They’re perfect for indoor gardens, a science project in a classroom, or just a fun activity with the family.
They won’t survive outside in the frost, so plan to keep them indoors year-round. Kids will love touching the plants to watch them “die” only to see them come back to “life” in 10-15 minutes. Zombie plants are not only a great houseplant, but great for learning too!
How do you grow a Zombie plant?
Here is how to grow a Zombie plant:
- Start with a pot. A 4” diameter pot is appropriate for a single Zombie plant, but you could use a larger one to plant multiple seeds
- Fill it with soil. Any type of soil works, though a more loam-based soil is ideal
- Plant 3-5 seeds per pot, spacing them out evenly
- Once planted, place your plant pots in a warm area of the room, preferably above 70 degrees. This allows for best germination results
- Keep the soil moist, as Zombie plants do not do well when the soil dries out
Now just sit back and wait for them to germinate! If all the seeds in one pot happen to sprout, thin or transfer them to another pot so the plants have room to grow more freely.
How long does it take the Zombie plant to grow?
Generally, the Zombie plant will sprout and begin to grow in under a week. Under certain conditions it may take longer than that. However, if you haven’t seen activity by 4 weeks, then the seed is likely unviable.
The very first leaves will not “play dead” though they will fold up at night. Once the second set of full leaves comes in on the plant, then you’ll begin to see the famous Zombie action come to life.
How do you take care of a Zombie plant?
To care for a Zombie plant, just follow the same guidelines as you did when planting. Provide them with a warm area, and indirect sunlight. Continue to water them regularly, without over watering and making them swampy. Your plants will be happy and healthy.
If you’re bad at remembering to water plants, check out our favorite self watering plant globes which can help avoid moisture mishaps.
How big do Zombie or Tickle Me plants get?
Zombie plants actually get fairly large, with most maturing around 3-4 feet tall. Most often, that coordinates with being around 2 feet in diameter. You may need to transplant them to a larger pot as they continue to grow, with a 12” diameter pot being about the largest size you’d need.
Your plants will take several years to reach maximum size. There have been reports of some plants getting as high as six feet tall! No matter what, they’re fun plants to have around the house.
Is the Zombie plant safe for cats?
Yes, the Zombie plant is considered safe for cats, dogs, and children as well. Very aged plants may grow small thorns, but they may be clipped if they become an issue.
The Zombie plant, scientifically known as Mimosa pudica, does not appear on the ASPCA’s list of plants toxic to cats. In fact, it’s generally considered as a “safe plant” to have in your home. That being said, it’s still not recommended to eat large quantities of the plant so keep the snacking to a minimum!
These plants do produce some small, round flower balls that look like brains throughout the year. However, aside from allergies they’re harmless.
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Additional Notes
- Perfect for Halloween or Easter baskets as a fun alternative to candy
- 4.4 star rating with over 3,400 reviews – fun for the whole family
- If zombies are a bit too scary, then enjoy growing this adorable Baby Yoda Chia Pet!
- Pokémon fans will love using these Bulbasaur planter pots to house any small succulent!
2pc Set 4'' Bulbasaur Planters - Great for Poke Fans, Succulents, Houseplants, Echeveria, Jade Plant, Air Plants | Small Size Double Pack Mini Flowerpot Planter 10cm Tall - Not to be outdone, this set of Baby Groot planters will surely add a smile to your home décor!
IKAYAS 4 Pack Treeman Baby Groot Flower Pot Groot Succulent Planter Pot Cute Green Plants Flower Pot Pen Pencil Holder, Great Birthday Gift Graduation Gift for Her Him 4 Styles (Plants Not Included)
- Let your plants float and fly with this magnetic levitating plant pot!
- Do you worry about having a real black thumb and creating actual dead plants? If so, then try the Miracle Gro Twelve indoor garden growing system!
Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System, Side Table with LED Grow Light for Year Round Gardening, Planter for Leafy Greens, Herbs and Flowers
- You and your kids can enjoy avoiding an undead grasp with the Zombie Gotcha game!
