Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is the main bacterium in hydrometallurgy, however, the rate of growth and oxidation of this bacterium is very slow, so its wide application in industry is limited. In this paper, the influences of such physicochemical factors as pH, temperature, concentration of Fe2+ and Fe2+, and other ions on the growth of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, and some mathematical models for growth of this bacterium which are presented in recent years by domestic and overseas experts and scholars are summarized in order to achieve the overall knowledge of the growth conditions of this bacterium, and to provide guidance for engineering practice.