Life Plant Plant Care
Biophytum heinrichsae R.Knuth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Biophytum heinrichsae is a species of plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Life Plant?
Water Life Plant every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Life Plant Native To?
What Is the Life Plant?
Life Plant (Biophytum heinrichsae) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Biophytum genus. Life Plant is native to Ecuador. Life Plant is also known as Little Tree Plant.
Life Plant displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Life Plant produces small, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Life Plant?
Biophytum heinrichsae requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Life Plant Need?
Life Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Life Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Life Plant Prefer?
Biophytum heinrichsae grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Life Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Life Plant?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Life Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Life Plant?
Feed Life Plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Life Plant?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Life Plant?
Life Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to biophytum insigne plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Life Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Life Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Life Plant?
Life Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Life Plant Need?
Life Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Life Plant is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Life Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Life Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Biophytum genus — compare its care with other Biophytum species on PlantoScan.
Biophytum is part of the Oxalidaceae plant family — browse all Oxalidaceae genera and species.
Life Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Biophytum heinrichsae R.Knuth, family Oxalidaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 38: 198 (1935)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Life Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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