Biophytum

Family. Oxalidaceae.

Origin. Mainly the plains of tropical Africa, Asia and India. As a rule, in the shade of trees and bushes, in fields.

Description. The genus Biophytum contains about 50 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants that are often grown as houseplants.
It is a small plant with an unbranched, woody, erect stem up to 15 cm high. All the leaves grow from the top of the stem, forming a crown bearing 8-17 pairs of narrow, elongated, short-pubescent leaves, arranged in pairs.

Each leaf reaches 1.5 cm in length. When pressed, they gently fold together and remain in this position for several seconds. This mechanism is probably a means of protection against insects that can damage the bush. Peduncles are numerous, erect, rising above the foliage. Corymbose inflorescences bear from 2 to 4 flowers each. Flowers are about 1 - 2 cm in diameter, usually yellow, white or orange with a red-orange stripe in the center of each of the 5 petals, similar to primrose. Overall, the plant resembles a miniature palm tree.

Height. Reaches only 10 - 15 cm in height.

How to care at home

Temperature conditions

Around 16 - 18° C all year round. 

Lighting

The plant is quite light-loving, but too much direct sunlight causes the leaves to curl and wrinkle. A small amount of light leads to a slowdown in plant growth and the leaves become thinner. Biophytum can grow with artificial lighting.

Substrate

Prefers rich soil with a slightly acidic pH. The substrate should be evenly moist throughout the year; add sand to the soil mixture. Reduce watering in winter, but do not allow the soil to dry out. You can mix 2 parts garden soil, 1 part washed sand or perlite and 1 part peat moss.

Feeding

During the growing season, biophytum is fed 2 times a month. 

Purpose

A decorative flowering species for florariums and indoor greenhouses.

Flowering time

Possibly at any time of the year. 

Air humidity

High air humidity is welcome - 70 - 80 percent, so it is better to keep the plants under a transparent dome - a cap and spray them regularly. 

Soil moisture

No dormant period is required, so watering should be abundant and even throughout the year, without drying out the soil.

Transplantation

Only if necessary - approximately every 2 years, since the root system is quite delicate. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown in spring in a light substrate at a shallow depth or even on the surface of the soil. Cover the container with a transparent plastic cap to increase humidity. Do not leave them in direct sunlight, maintain a temperature of about 25 °C. Plants are pricked out into separate pots when each produces 2 to 6 leaves. The root system is quite weak, and the sprouts can tip over - so add soil around the shoots as they grow.

Pests and diseases

It is affected by spider mites, aphids and scale insects.

Note

The most popular species in indoor plant growing, sensitive biophytum, is named for its ability to fold leaves when touched. 

Varieties:

Biophytum sensitivum

An ornamental deciduous shrub with a low stem and complex, green leaves, consisting of several pairs of oval leaflets. At night and when touched, the leaves of the plant fold, hence the name “sensitive”. The flowering of this species is inconspicuous - the plant produces single small buds that open into soft pink flowers. Sensitive biophytum is the most unpretentious species suitable for growing as a houseplant.