Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
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Oxalidaceae
Biophytum sensitivum
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
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Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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Biophytum sensitivum
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~20–35% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive + airy • Steady-moist • Organic-forward • Fine
Temperature
Ideal: 18–26 °C • Avoid below: 15 °C
Humidity
Humid 60–80 % +
Growth habit
Upright herbaceous perennial.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 20 cm
Toxicity & safety
Pet safety unconfirmed
Origin & habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical Asia
Outdoor growing
Indoor only
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Biophytum sensitivum – Unique Growth and Care Guide
Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. is a fascinating and highly responsive plant known for its ability to move its leaves in response to touch, similar to the Mimosa pudica. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, this compact herbaceous plant thrives in humid conditions and is commonly grown for its delicate, fern-like foliage and sensitive movements. Its small yet intricate appearance, combined with its natural responsiveness, makes it a captivating addition to any plant collection.
Why Grow Biophytum sensitivum?
- Touch-sensitive leaves: Folds its leaflets when touched or disturbed.
- Compact and unique: Forms a small rosette of finely divided, delicate green leaves.
- Thrives in humid conditions: Ideal for terrariums or warm indoor spaces.
Biophytum sensitivum - Key Growth Facts
- Natural Habitat: Found in moist, shaded areas of tropical Asia and Africa.
- Size and Growth: Typically grows up to 15-20 cm tall, forming a small but striking foliage display.
- Growth Habit: Herbaceous, clumping plant with self-seeding tendencies.
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets.
How to Care for Biophytum sensitivum
- Placement: Prefers a warm, humid environment with filtered light.
- Light Requirements: Grows best in bright, indirect light; too much direct sunlight may scorch leaves.
- Watering Routine: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Humidity Needs: Requires high humidity (above 60%) for healthy growth.
- Ideal Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 20°C-28°C.
- Soil Mix: Well-draining mix with organic matter such as peat and perlite.
- Repotting Tips: Minimal repotting needed; prefers shallow containers.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Propagation: Easily self-seeds, or can be propagated from seeds.
- Hydroponic Suitability: Not commonly grown hydroponically, but can adapt to semi-hydro setups.
- Pruning Advice: Remove any dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Pests: Occasionally affected by aphids or spider mites; treat with neem oil, or use beneficial insects.
- Leaf Drooping: A response to stress or low humidity – adjust watering and humidity levels.
- Slow Growth: Often caused by insufficient light or low temperatures.
Additional Growing Tips
For optimal health, mimic the humid, shaded conditions of its native habitat. Keeping this plant in a terrarium or near a humidity tray will enhance its growth and leaf sensitivity.
What’s in the Name?
The genus name Biophytum comes from Greek, meaning "living plant," referring to its dynamic leaf movements. The species name sensitivum highlights its touch-sensitive nature.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
FAQs about Biophytum sensitivum
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