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Oxalis plant: How to grow and care for it?

The shamrock-like plants known as oxalis produce abundant beautiful flowers and unique leaves. While some varieties have triangular, deep purple leaves, others have accents of dark green with white to pale pink blossoms. They are simple to grow in the ground and in containers, making them a carefree preference of many. 

Oxalis plant: Key facts

Common Names False shamrock, Purple wood sorrel, Triangular wood sorrel, Love plant
Scientific Name Oxalis triangularis
Family Oxalidaceae
Light Full sun to partial shade
Bloom time Spring, summer
Native Africa and South America
Preferred Humidity Moderate
Propagation Method Division of tubers

 

Learn more about Calathea plant or prayer plant

 

What is an Oxalis plant?

Source: Amazon

The largest genus in the family Oxalidaceae, Oxalis plant represents around 800 of the 900 species that make up the family. With more than 550 species, it is a sizable genus of flowering plants that is indigenous to tropical regions of South Asia and South America. Oxalis, sometimes referred to as Wood Sorrels and numerous other common names, is also called False Shamrocks. The most popular Oxalis species grown as houseplants is Oxalis triangularis.

In addition to coming in a variety of colours and sizes, oxalis are ideal indoor plants due to their high rate of production. They are so abundant that they are regarded as weeds by gardeners and greenhouse farmers all over the world. If kept as a houseplant, the majority will go through a dormant phase in the winter. A sizable percentage of the play might perish and go dormant if exposed to insufficient light. It will regrow if you provide fertiliser and sufficient light.

Like the majority of legumes and a few other plants, many Oxalis exhibit the nyctinasty phenomena. Nyctinasty is a type of rhythmic circadian nastic movement that occurs in plants in response to the onset of night. Through receptors, the plant detects the type and quality of light and responds by sending a signal to the pulvini, which are joints bulging with cells near the base of the leaflets. The subsequent release of carbohydrates and potassium ions from the pulvini results in the distinctive drooping of the leaflets.

 

Oxalis plant: Varieties

Oxalis is a diverse genus comprising hundreds of species including a variety of perennials, annuals, and even tropical plants. Many of these varieties form vigorous spreading plants while others are bulb-forming plants. Numerous species of oxalis plants serve as easy-to-grow houseplants. Some of the most popular varieties of oxalis include:

Oxalis plant: Where to plant?

You can use this abundant plant for indoor windowsill accents, container gardens, or edging because it grows easily in the ground and in containers. Although the Oxalis plant loves the sun, it prefers a little cover during the warmest hours of the day. For instance, south-facing windows are ideal in the winter but could be excessively warm in the summer. Although it can be grown outdoors in borders or edgings in USDA zones 6 through 10, in regions with cold winters, it should be kept indoors

 

Oxalis plant: When to plant?

While oxalis love to be planted in the spring because it lines up with their normal flowering season, they prefer to go dormant in the summer, contrary to the winter. With the possibility of recurrent blooming in the fall, many species flower between spring and summer. Flowers can take 8–10 weeks to grow, while foliage usually sprouts 3–4 weeks after planting.

 

Oxalis plant: How to plant?

Source: Logees.com

 

 

 

How to grow Oxalis plants?

 

 

 

 

 

Growing Oxalis plants indoors

Source: Nestreeo.com

 

Light 

Provide bright indirect light, maybe from a window facing the south or west. Plants may become spindly and unable to blossom in low-light conditions.

Temperature

Ideal temperatures are cold at night (between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit) and warm during the day (between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Watering

Maintain an even moisture level in the soil and water when the surface feels dry. To avoid wet soil, pots must have drainage holes.

Fertilising

A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer should be fed every two to three weeks while the plants are actively growing.

Dormancy

Don’t freak out if your indoor oxalis plant starts losing all of its leaves. It has just begun a dormant phase, which typically lasts a month or two and allows the plant to preserve energy before a fresh growth period. Put your plant somewhere dark, water it less frequently, and hold off on fertilising it during this period until you notice fresh growth starting. By separating some of the bulbs and transplanting them into new pots during this time of dormancy, you can divide plants.

 

Oxalis plant: Tips and tricks

 

 

 

 

 

Oxalis plant: Uses

 

How to use Oxalic plants in the garden?

There are many ways to use oxalis in the garden. You can use it to create rock gardens. It can also be used as ground cover. You can make it the edging or front of a border. Also, it can be a great idea to grow it in containers and hanging baskets. Moreover, it would look incredible as a border of a walkway.

 

Oxalis plants: Toxicity

All members of the Oxalis genus are packed with oxalic acid, which can prove to be toxic when consumed in large quantities. It’s a good idea to keep Oxalis plants away from the reach of pets and children.

 

Oxalis plants: Common problems and treatments

Weak and leggy stems

Insufficient sunlight frequently results in long, brittle stems. Place your plant in a more sunny spot or add a fluorescent light.

Yellow leaves and soft stems

This signals about rotten roots resulting from overwatering.

If the roots are rotten, remove them before repotting your plant. Ensure that the potting mix and container you select have good drainage. Reduce the amount of watering as needed.

Wilting, brown or crispy leaves

Inadequate moisture is shown by this. Perhaps you should water more frequently or make the environment more humid.

No growth

Dormancy prevents growth. You would not find new growth in the months of winter and fall.

In the spring and summer, if your plant doesn’t generate any new growth, fertilise it and relocate it to a spot with more sunlight.

 

Bottom line

False shamrock is easy to grow and attractive to look at. You can enjoy the leaves and delicate blossoms of Oxalis triangularis for years to come, whether you add a few to your house or just one to a prominent, sunny place.

 

FAQs

Are Oxalis Triangularis Plants Toxic?

Despite their culinary use, Oxalis Triangularis are thought to be harmful to people and animals since they can cause serious gastrointestinal and digestive irritation when consumed.

How Long Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Live?

With the proper care, Oxalis Triangularis are perennials that can live for many years. Due to the fading of the blooms and leaves during their dormant season, plants may appear to be dead.

Is Oxalis triangularis easy to Grow at Home?

One of the simplest indoor plants to grow is Oxalis triangularis. It's excellent for novices, requires little maintenance, and tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions.

Do shamrock plants bring good luck?

Considering that shamrock clovers only have three leaves, finding out a 4-leaf clover is regarded as lucky. Some other fascinating information is that you will typically find one lucky four-leaf clover out of every 10,000 clovers. It is said that the four leaves stand for luck, love, faith, and hope.

How does eating Oxalis affect you?

Despite being edible, oxalic acid can inhibit calcium absorption; therefore, while oxalis leaves are edible, they should only be taken in moderation and should be completely avoided by those prone to kidney stones, who have gout, or have rheumatism.

 

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