Habitat and Ecology
​Biophytum soukupii is a charming, miniature herbaceous perennial native to the tropical wet biome of Central and South America, with a distribution including Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is a terrestrial plant, often found in the shaded understorey of humid forests. Like its relatives, it thrives in warm, consistently moist, but well-drained soil, often among mosses and small ground cover. This species is suitable for humid, enclosed ecosystems.  
​Description
​This plant is highly unusual and prized for its striking form, which strongly resembles a tiny palm tree or fern. It features a slender, unbranched, erect central stem, often with a reddish or umber tone, that is crowned by a dense, umbrella-like rosette of compound leaves. These leaves are pinnately arranged leaflets that create a delicate, fern-like texture. The leaves are sensitive, folding inward and drooping dramatically at night or when disturbed (nyctinasty). It is a genuinely miniature species, typically reaching only 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in height. It produces small, subtle flowers, often purple or pale pink-white, which readily self-seed.  
​A key distinction from the more common Biophytum sensitivum is its small, compact size and the colour of its foliage:
​B. soukupii: Remains smaller (10-15 cm) and often displays a bronze or purple hue to its leaves and stems, especially in high light. It is often a perennial in cultivation.
​B. sensitivum: Tends to grow taller (15-30 cm) and usually has brighter green foliage. It is often treated as an annual that dies back quickly after producing seed.
​Cultivation
​Biophytum soukupii is a delicate plant that requires a stable, humid environment, making it an ideal inhabitant for a terrarium or vivarium. It needs bright, indirect light or shade; while it tolerates lower light, its foliage and stems may develop a more vibrant reddish hue in brighter conditions. The substrate should be moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter; a standard houseplant compost mixed with perlite, vermiculite, and a small amount of synthetic peat or sphagnum moss works well. The soil must be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. High humidity (60%+ is the minimum, 75%+ is ideal) is essential for preventing leaf shrivelling and maintaining a lush appearance.  
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-27 (70-81 F)
​Minimum Temperature: Must be kept above 15 C (59 F); it is highly sensitive to cold drafts.
​Feed sparingly (monthly during the growing season) with a dilute, balanced liquid fertiliser. It often self-seeds, producing miniature plantlets around the base of the mother plant.  
​Unique Features
​This plant's novelty lies in its miniature, palm-tree morphology and its remarkable rapid, touch-sensitive movement. The delicate leaves will visibly fold up and 'go to sleep' at night, in darkness, or when touched, providing a fascinating, interactive experience for the collector. Its small, compact size, tendency to self-seed, and propensity for bronze or purple leaf colouration make it a highly desirable and distinct miniature for enclosed jungle ecosystems.  
​Specifications
​Plant Size: established plants, grown from seed, 8-12 cm tall
​Plant Family: Oxalidaceae  
​Plant Passport: A Biophytum soukupii B 140084 C [user input] D GB