For cheerful little plants , few top those in the genus Oxalis , which contains about 800 species . Most are also called wood sorrels or shamrock — named for their parting that are dissever into three or four leaflets , making them resemble the Irish lucky charm . Usually 6 to 12 column inch tall , they thrive outdoors under the ripe conditions . Oxalis also make good houseplants that do best in coolheaded temperature and require only promising lighting , even piddle and a bit of plant food now and then .
Growing Oxalis Outdoors
Y [ [ an oxalis plant ] ] ( https://www.gardenguides.com/87064-care-oxalis-plants.html)u can growan oxalis plantoutdoors , provided youchoose a variety that ’s become for your areaand that can withstand local winter temperatures . For model , the plebeian Mrs. Henry Wood sorrel ( Oxalis acetosella)and the broadleaf Natalie Wood red sorrel ( Oxalis latifolia ) can survive sub - freezing temperature . The unwashed character grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness geographical zone 6 through 11 , while broadleaf Mrs. Henry Wood roselle grows in zone 8 through 11 . In cold role of their range , these case die to the primer over winter , returning the next spring . Other kind ca n’t survive frostfor foresighted periods ; these include volcanic sorrel ( Oxalis vulcanicola"Zinfandel " ) , which grows in USDA zones 9 through 11 . Grow this and other freeze - sensitive oxalis flora as annual .
Outdoors , * * most red sorrel grow well in partial or full tint * * , which you’re able to offer in the garden by locate improbable , shade - producing plant nearby . They alsoneed regular wateringduring the growing season to keep ground evenly moist but do n’t do well in incessantly mucky conditions . Provide extra water during dry spells , butonly water when the soil ’s surface feels dryto the touch .
Tip
Add 2 or 3 inches of organic mulch under the plant , to aid retain wet and suppress dope .
Oxalis Houseplants
Many oxalis varietiesgrow well indoorsin pots , where theythrive in bright lightsuch as in a west- or south - facing window . But protect the plant from verbatim summer sun , either by add a sheer curtain to the windowpane or moving the plant into less visible light during hot weather . you may also grow these plants indoors underfluorescent lights turned on for 12 hours each day .
Keep a houseplant at about * * 70 to 75 level Fahrenheit during the day ; cool temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees F are right at night . * * Keep the grime evenly moist , letting it dry somewhat between watering . The plant might become course sleeping in winter , dying back and dry up — stop watering and rent its dirt dry for about one month , then re-start watering and unexampled ontogeny should come out .
Other Care and Possible Problems
During outflow and summertime , when an oxalis houseplant is actively grow and blooming , feed it monthly with a balanced , urine - soluble fertilizersuch as a 20 - 20 - 20 formula — dilute it half - strength , or 1/4 teaspoonful per gallon of urine , but check the product label for extra directions . Reduce this to once per month after flowering , then stop when it ’s dormant . fertilise an outside industrial plant monthlywith the same half - strength plant food until it becomes dormant .
Outdoor - grown oxalis plants are broadly disease- and pest - complimentary , although theymight develop fungal problemswhen grown in to a fault fuddled shape . Watering with a soaker hose to keep foliage wry helps prevent this , as does on a regular basis brighten away dropped leave of absence and other debris Whether indoors or outside , the plant might attractspider pinch , microscopic pests that bring forth seeable webs on leaves . Control these by spraying with insecticidal soap every two weeks as needed . load the soap at a charge per unit of 5 tablespoons per gallon of water .
Potential for Invasiveness
Some type of oxalis plants can beinvasive , go around byputting down root where stems touch the grunge , so they ’re not near choice for plant near a established area . assist see this leaning by trimming back industrial plant on a regular basis or by choosing anoninvasive varietysuch as " Iron Cross " oxalis ( _ Oxalis tetraphylla " Iron Cross " _ ) , which does n’t spread aggressively ; this variety and grow in USDA zones 7 through 10 .
