Little Tree Plant Plant Care
Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Biophytum sensitivum, also known as little tree plant, or Mukkutti is a species of plant in the genus Biophytum of the family Oxalidaceae. It is commonly found in Kerala, wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries and is used for medicinal purposes in Nepal and India.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Little Tree Plant?
Water Little Tree 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Little Tree Plant?
Little Tree Plant (Biophytum sensitivum) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Biophytum genus. Little Tree Plant is native to Kerala, wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries. Little Tree Plant is also known as Sensitive Plant, Seduum, Kallurukki.
Little Tree Plant displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Little Tree Plant produces small, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Little Tree Plant?
Biophytum sensitivum 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 Little Tree Plant Need?
Little Tree Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Little Tree 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 Little Tree Plant Prefer?
Biophytum sensitivum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Little Tree 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 Little Tree Plant?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Little Tree Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Little Tree Plant?
Feed Little Tree 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 Little Tree 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 Little Tree Plant?
Little Tree Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to life plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Little Tree Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Little Tree Plant?
Little Tree 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 Little Tree Plant Need?
Little Tree Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Little Tree Plant is native to Kerala, wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries. In cooler regions, grow Little Tree Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Little Tree 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.
Little Tree 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 sensitivum (L.) DC., family Oxalidaceae (first published in Prodr. 1: 690 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Little Tree Plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. 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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