Purpose <p>Climate change poses significant challenges to plant growth; however, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to enhance stress tolerance, support plant development, and boost agricultural productivity. This study aims to explore the potential effects of nanoparticles on the morpho-physio-biochemical response of <i>Yunnanopilia longistaminea</i>.</p> Methods <p>A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar application of five different nanoparticles (NPs), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), zinc oxide (ZnO), selenium dioxide (SeO₂), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), at a concentration of 30 mg L^− 1, on the morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of <i>Y</i>. <i>longistaminea</i>, a native plant of the Yunnan province, China.</p> Results <p>The results demonstrated that TiO₂ nanoparticles (at a concentration of 30 mg L^− 1) applied through foliar spraying significantly enhanced the growth of <i>Y</i>. <i>longistaminea</i> in terms of increases in leaf, stem, and root fresh weight, plant height, number of branches, and leaf size (length and width). Furthermore, biochemical improvements were observed, such as increased chlorophyll content (measured by SPAD value), soluble sugars, and soluble proteins. The application of TiO₂-NPs also reduced oxidative stress in the plants compared to the control group, suggesting an improvement in its stress tolerance. Among all the nanoparticles tested, TiO₂-NPs proved to be the most effective in enhancing morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of <i>Y</i>. <i>longistaminea</i>, followed by SiO₂, Fe₃O₄, ZnO, and SeO₂ in descending order of effectiveness.</p> Conclusion <p>The use of TiO₂-NPs is an effective strategy to improve the growth and development of <i>Yunnanopilia longistaminea</i>.</p>