Large Leaf Sensitive Plant (Aeschynomene fluitans)

Description

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant for Sale — South African Botswana Wonder With Touch-Responsive Leaves and Sweet Pea Flowers

If you’ve been searching for Large Leaf Sensitive Plant for sale, Quinn’s Fins grows Aeschynomene fluitans — commonly known as Giant Water Sensitive Plant, Botswana Wonder, or Golden Botswana — right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse. Large Leaf Sensitive Plant is the larger-leaved, more dramatically proportioned sibling of the Sensitive Plant (*Neptunia aquatica*) — a floating aquatic perennial native to the tropical freshwater rivers, ponds, and floodplains of southern Africa that delivers the same fascinating touch-response behavior in a bigger, bolder, more visually impactful package. Its large, oval, grayish-green compound leaves grow on distinctively attractive brick-red stems and fold gracefully inward when disturbed — returning to their open position within minutes of being left undisturbed. From midsummer to early fall, showy 1-inch yellow pea-like flowers resembling sweet pea blooms appear above the foliage, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators throughout the season. Large Leaf Sensitive Plant for sale at Quinn’s Fins ships as a single stem (SKU 6128-1, $7.99) ready to float on your pond surface or establish at the pond edge.

Why Large Leaf Sensitive Plant for Sale Stands Apart From Other Sensitive Plants

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant offers a distinct combination of larger leaf scale, more dramatic stem coloring, more showy flowers, and wider water surface coverage than its smaller relative — making it the preferred choice for aquarists who want maximum visual impact from their interactive pond plant.

• Larger oval compound leaves than Neptunia aquatica — more dramatic visual presence at the pond surface
• Distinctive brick-red stems — an attractive contrasting color element that sets this species apart from most floating pond plants
• Touch-responsive leaves — fold gracefully inward when touched, returning to open position within minutes
• Leaves also close at night — natural nyctinastic daily rhythm adds ongoing behavioral interest
• Showy 1-inch yellow pea-like sweet pea flowers midsummer to early fall — among the most attractive flowers of any floating pond plant
• Spreads 6–8 feet across the water surface — impressive coverage from a single stem
• Excellent water filtration — actively cleans pond water and helps control algae
• Outstanding pollinator plant — attracts butterflies, bees, flies, moths, and some bird species
• Excellent alternative for states where Water Hyacinth is restricted — provides similar surface coverage and filtration benefits without the regulatory restrictions

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant vs. Sensitive Plant — Side by Side

Quinn’s Fins carries both touch-responsive floating pond plants. Here is how they compare:

Browse our Sensitive Plant (Neptunia aquatica) for the smaller-leaved, more immediately dramatic touch-response companion.

Growing Large Leaf Sensitive Plant — Care at a Glance

Placement

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant can be placed as a true floating plant on the pond surface or grown at the pond margin in moist to wet soil. For floating use, simply place the stem on a calm area of the pond surface — it will establish and spread naturally. It can also be trained up onto rocks and stream edges where it will drape attractively over hardscape surfaces. Avoid placement near waterfalls or strong water movement — constant physical stimulation causes leaves to remain partially closed, reducing photosynthesis and plant vigor.

Light

Full sun to partial shade — full sun produces the most prolific flowering, the most vigorous spreading, and the most attractive brick-red stem coloration. In partial shade, the plant grows and blooms but with somewhat reduced performance across all visual characteristics.

Water and Temperature

• Temperature: 65–90°F — thrives in warm weather; does not tolerate frost or extended temperatures below 50°F
• Water Depth: Floating surface to 12 inches at pond margin
• Flow: Still to gently moving water only
• pH: 6.0–8.0

Spreading and Management

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant spreads 6–8 feet across the water surface from a single stem under warm conditions — significantly wider than *Neptunia aquatica*. Trim regularly to maintain desired coverage and prevent the plant from shading out other pond plants or reducing oxygen exchange. Trim at least twice per growing season. Never dispose of cuttings in natural waterways — consider compost or trash disposal.

An Alternative to Water Hyacinth

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant is an excellent alternative for pond owners in states where Water Hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*) is restricted or prohibited. It provides similar surface coverage, water filtration, and pollinator value without the invasive classification concerns that affect Water Hyacinth in many states. It is a moderate grower that cleans the water without being invasive.

Hardiness and Overwintering

Hardy in Zones 9–11. In cooler zones, grow as an annual — purchase fresh plants each spring. Does not tolerate frost. In Zone 9, plants may persist through mild winters in sheltered ponds. Below Zone 9, treat as an annual.

Nursery-Grown at Quinn’s Fins

Every Large Leaf Sensitive Plant for sale at Quinn’s Fins is grown right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse — not drop-shipped or bulk-sourced. Your plant ships as a single stem ready to place on your pond surface. We grow what we sell.

For more on growing Large Leaf Sensitive Plant in ponds and water gardens, visit the Pond Informer’s Giant Sensitive Plant care guide or browse our full selection of pond and water garden plants at Quinn’s Fins.

Large Leaf Sensitive Plant Details