Biophytum sensitivum 10 seeds

Biophytum sensitivum, is a stunning addition to your tropical terrarium, also known as little tree plant, or Mukkootti is a species of plant in the genus Biophytum of the family Oxalidaceae. 

Seeds (Moderate) - Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for around 24hrs in a dark location, preferably on top of an operating radiator. Equally sprinkle the seeds on top of moist 'Houseplant' labelled compost, resisting the temptation to compact it. Maintain evenly moist soil and allow the excess water to freely drain from the pot's base to prevent water-logged conditions. The ideal location for successful germination is in a bright, indirect setting with temperatures above 18℃ (64℉) with bottom-heat. Keep the pot in a transparent bag to provide a stable level of humidity, along with longer-lasting soil moisture. Germination may take up to two months, so don't discard any unsuccessful seeds until this threshold has been surpassed. Remove the bag once the seedlings produce their second leaf and then split them into their own 7cm pots.

Temperature

15° - 32℃   (59° - 90℉)
H1b  (Hardiness Zone 12)  - Can be grown outdoors during the spring and summer in a sheltered location whilst nighttime temperatures are above 15℃  (59℉),  but is fine to remain indoors, too. If you decide to bring this plant outdoors, don't allow it to endure more than an hour of direct sunlight a day as it may result in sun-scorch. Regularly keep an eye out for pests, especially when re-introducing it back indoors.

Pruning & Maintenance

Remove yellow or dying leaves, and plant debris to encourage better-growing conditions. While pruning, always use clean scissors or shears to reduce the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases. Prune the flowers and developing buds to elongate the specimen's lifespan. 

Top Tips & Info

• Care Difficulty - Moderate
• Provide a bright, indirect location with no direct sunlight for best results. Avoid deep shade at all costs. 
• Little Tree Plants are best kept in relatively moist soil due to their intolerance to long periods of droughts. Introduce a pebble tray to slow the rates of drying soil, as well as higher humidity levels.
• Fertilise using a 'Houseplant' labelled feed every four waters in the spring and summer, reducing this to every six in the colder months.
• Keep an eye out for Spider Mites & Mealybugs that'll hide in the plant's cubbyholes.
• Unfortunately, Little Tree Plants are classed as an 'Annual' by the RHS, meaning that most specimens will only last between 6 - 18 months from purchase. Those that are currently blooming are most likely to die once the flowering period is over. 

Location & Light - 🔸

A bright, indirect site is best for this specimen, as shady environments could lead to soil mould and slowed growth. Although the risk of Sun-scorch is high with sun-filled locations, a location that offers up to an hour of morning or evening sunlight is acceptable, as long as the specimen is kept moist. Never situate this plant in all-day sunlight due to the risk of foliage decline and plant death.

Water - 🔸🔸🔸

Little Trees are best kept in reliably moist soil as inconsistent moisture levels may result in stunted, unhappy growth. Allow the compost's top third to dry out in between waters in the growing period, reducing this slightly further in the autumn and winter. Under-watering symptoms include a sudden loss of older foliage, yellowed or crispy foliage & stunted growth, whereas over-watering symptoms including a weakened or rotten stem, no new growth, yellowing lower leaves and eventual plant death. 

Humidity - 🔸

Create a humidity tray to provide a moist and stable environment for your plant. If the surrounding saturation is too low or the heat too high, its leaf-tips may start to brown over and curl, especially in direct sunlight. Gently hose the foliage down from time to time to hydrate the leaves and keep the dust levels down.

Fertilisation - 🔸🔸

Feed every four waters during the growing period and every six in the autumn and winter. Never apply a 'Ready to Use’ product into the soil without a pre-water first, as it may burn the roots and lead to yellowed leaves.

As Little Trees only last a year or two, regular fertilisation is key to longer-lasting foliage, as well as better health and greener foliage. 

Additional Care & Information

It's a well-known fact that Little Trees will only last a year or two, and because of its short lifespan, a good level of care is needed for longer-lasting health. Firstly, we'd recommend providing a bright, warm location with the acceptance of up to one hour of sunlight per day. As the risk of sun-scorch is high in sun-filled areas, limiting its exposure will only wreak benefits to the plant in regards to its energy and appearance. Maintaining higher temperatures will prevent the risk of it entering its dormancy, which usually sends the plant into its decline. We'd recommend an ambient temperature of around 18℃ (64℉), in a north, east or west-facing windowsill away from nearby radiators. Keep the specimen well-fed using a 'Houseplant' labelled fertiliser, while providing near-constant soil moisture. Prune any developing flower buds to maintain higher stored energy within the plant. 

After a period of a few months, your specimen will begin to decline, slowly resulting in yellowed foliage and a lack of leaf-movement. At this period, we would keep the plant well watered and fed, continuing to provide a bright area to lengthen its lifespan. If you've kept the flowers or seedpods attached to the plant, you may obtain the seeds and sow them next springtime to keep your collection of Little Trees alive.