Some background on Mimosa pudica

While the closure of a Mimosa pudica plant serves as a defense mechanism against predators, it also comes at a drawback. In this state, the leaves of the plant cannot collect as much sunlight, therefore limiting its ability to photosynthesize. There has been research done to test the effects of light availability in relation to the closure time of Mimosa pudica, and it is likely the plant adjusts its closure time to depending on light availability. There is also evidence supporting that the health and state of a plant, and not the individual leaves on the plant vary the closure time in response to touch. Thus, the conditions a Mimosa pudica is grown under may affect its response rate and overall closure time.