Oxalis (oxalis): home care, photo, reproduction, planting, features of species + video

This plant is popularly called “hare cabbage” and “cuckoo clover”, and “oxalis” in the scientific literature. Its more common name - sorrel - is given for the truly sour taste of the leaves, rich in vitamin C and organic acids.

The tender soft leaves of wood sorrel have another interesting property - they fold and fall under mechanical stimulation (seismonasty), with the change of day and night (nyctinasty) and in bright light (photonasty).

But it turns out that wood sorrel is not only a shade-tolerant and moisture-loving small herbaceous plant with inconspicuous white flowers, which can be found in abundance (sometimes in a continuous cover) in coniferous forests of mid-latitudes. This botanical genus includes many species, differing both in appearance and in their properties, as well as in applications from cooking and medicine to landscape garden design and home floriculture.

Did not know? Meet such a different sour.

What does oxalis look like and where does it come from?

Oxalis (Oxalis) got its name because of the peculiar sour taste of the leaves, which contain a large amount of oxalic acid. "Oxys" literally means "sour" in Latin. The plant's homeland is America, South Africa and Central Europe, although one of the species, common sorrel, is often found in Russian forests. Many varieties of this numerous genus (there are about 800 in total) are grown in gardens, as well as indoors, offices and greenhouses.

In our country, people dubbed oxalis “hare cabbage” and “sour cabbage”. In America, the flower is called "sheep's sorrel" and "Indian lemonade", and in Europe - "sour clover".

Oxalis leaves resemble clover leaves

Oxalis (Oxalis) is a rhizomatous and tuberous plant. They are both annual and perennial. The pinnately compound or trifoliate leaf blades of oxalis are located on long and thin petioles. They are painted in different shades from light green to purple.

The flowers are small and consist of five petals. A notable feature of sorrel is its expressive veins on the petals and “exploding” fruits-capsules of an elongated shape, which can, as it were, “shoot” small seeds if you lightly touch them. Because of this feature, the propagation of some types of oxalis, for example, carob oxalis, is very difficult to stop, and the plant can become a weed when grown in the garden.

Oxalis can decorate both the flower garden and the interior of the room

Another characteristic feature of the plant is that under any unfavorable conditions, be it too bright light, darkness or mechanical irritation, oxalis flowers slowly close, and the leaves fold and droop.

Oxalis, which grows indoors, does not require special conditions; the plant is not capricious and can tolerate some flaws in agricultural technology. But still, to obtain a lush bush with bright leaves, “rabbit cabbage” needs to create suitable conditions and good care.

Kislitsa – photo

Oxalis is very beautiful and good in any conditions. We invite you to take a closer look at what its fancy leaves are worth in our photo gallery!

Photo: domashniecvety.ru

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Types of indoor oxalis

Several types of sorrel are grown indoors. Among them are the following:

Ordinary. A small bush that spreads through rhizomes. Trifoliate leaves of a light green hue on long petioles appear on the creeping shoots. In spring, small single flowers bloom on the plant, located on thin peduncles, the length of which is 5–10 cm. The petals are snow-white with purple veins. There is a form with pink flowers. Common oxalis can be grown in containers and also in gardens as a ground cover.
Rozhkova. The species is distinguished by leaves with a beautiful cherry-brown tint of foliage and small flowers painted yellow. The plant is frost-resistant and can be grown not only indoors, but also in a flower garden. However, there it quickly grows and becomes a weed.
Triangular. The homeland of the species is sunny Brazil. The plant has purple, pink or white flowers and dark purple leaf blades. Thanks to this, the flower looks incredibly attractive.
Deppa (four-leaf). The species is native to Panama and Mexico. This is one of the most famous wood sours, the leaves of which consist of four parts with a base painted with strokes of burgundy or dark purple. The leaves have a small notch at the top. The flowers, collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, have a crimson-red hue. The plant is a corm, and the roots of Depp's sorrel are edible. One of the most popular varieties of four-leaf sorrel is Iron Cross.
Ferruginous. The flower is one of the common garden oxalis species, but it can also be grown indoors. Oxalis ferruginosa forms a small compact bush with a diameter of about 15 cm and a height of approximately 8 cm. The leaves consist of several lobes, of which there are from 9 to 22 pieces. They are painted gray-green. Ferruginaceae blooms with large silvery flowers, decorated with pink strokes and veins.
Bowie. Oxalis is a rather heat-loving species, so it is grown mainly at home. The leathery leaves are colored light green and are located on shoots 20–25 cm high. Flowering occurs in late spring, during which time Oxalis Bowie blooms dark pink buds.
Ragnella (triangular, butterfly). A very spectacular plant, whose homeland is considered to be Brazil. Oxalis Ragnella has incredibly attractive light green leaf blades consisting of three lobes. It blooms for a long time, constantly producing small white buds. Ragnella is a relatively winter-hardy species, and it can even be grown in flower beds in areas with mild winters.
Red. Compared to other plants of the genus, the bushes of this species are quite tall. Red sorrel reaches 40 cm in height. The leaves consist of three lobes, the distinctive feature of which is slight hairiness at the base. It blooms profusely in summer with red or pink flowers.
Versicolor (variegated, caramel flower). A characteristic feature of the plant is that its snow-white petals have a red edge, and the unopened buds look like a lollipop. “In captivity,” Versicolor wood sorrel can bloom almost all year round.
Obtusa. This type of oxalis is a miniature bulbous plant, the height of which is only 10 cm. Its leaf blades are slightly pubescent. Used as a ground cover plant in combination with other larger plants grown in a greenhouse. In summer, Oxalis Obtusa can be planted in the garden.
Poor thing (squeezed). A species of hardy and frost-resistant oxalis native to South Africa. Trifoliate leaves on thin and long petioles grow from small nodules. The flowers are relatively large, dark pink with a yellow center. Blooms from August to October. Mostly poor oxalis is cultivated in open ground, but it can also be grown indoors.

Oxalis Ragnella, Deppa, glandular and other types of wood sorrel in the photo

Poor sorrel blooms for almost six months with pretty pink flowers.

Carob oxalis has showy burgundy leaves and yellow flowers.

Oxalis obtusa is a miniature bulbous plant

The glandular sorrel blooms with large silvery flowers with pink spots and veins.

Bowie's oxalis is mainly cultivated indoors.

Depp's Oxalis has characteristic dark spots at the base of the leaves.

Triangular sorrel leaves look like butterflies settled in a flower pot

Oxalis Versicolor buds resemble candies

Common oxalis can be grown in containers and also in gardens as a ground cover.

The most comfortable conditions for plants in the house - table

Season	Lighting	Temperature	Humidity
Spring Summer	Soft and diffused light, since direct rays of the sun can leave burns on the delicate foliage of the flower. Light partial shade is suitable. You can place it on the windowsill of an eastern or western oriented window or grow it on a balcony or loggia, shaded from direct sunlight.	+20–25 оС	Spraying in the morning and evening hours.
Autumn winter	Penumbra. There is no need to add additional light to the plant.	+14–18 оС	Tolerates dry indoor air well; no additional spraying is required.

Properties of a flower

Oxalis has long been credited with medicinal qualities. Its above-ground part was used as a cure for scurvy, as a means for treating wounds and ulcers. It was also believed to help with mercury and arsenic poisoning. It was also used against worms and to fight inflammation.

If you are looking for which flower is best to plant, choose sorrel. You will not regret it.

How and when to replant

Oxalis grows very quickly, so the flower requires annual replanting, which should be done in the spring with the beginning of active growing season. During the same period, it is possible to propagate sorrel. If you do not plan to get new specimens, then take a pot 2 cm larger than the previous one. If you divide the plant into several parts, then leave the same container.

Place drainage at the bottom of the vessel to help drain excess water. It can be made from gravel or expanded clay, pouring stones in a layer of about 2-3 cm. Then add a layer of soil consisting of:

1 part of turf land;
1 part leaf humus;
1 part peat;
1 part sand.

The substrate for planting oxalis should be loose and rich in potassium. In poor soil the leaves will not be brightly colored. If it is not possible to make a soil mixture yourself, you can purchase a universal soil for indoor plants with neutral acidity.

The soil in which sorrel will be grown must be loose

The transplantation process then consists of the following steps:

Remove the plant from the old pot and wash the roots.
Cut off the dry and rotten parts and dry them a little.
Moisten the substrate in a new container and place the plant on it.
Cover the roots with soil and tamp it down lightly with your palm.
Water a little again and place the sorrel in a place with diffused light.
After transplanting, place the sorrel in a place with diffused light

To make the oxalis bush lush, several seedlings can be planted in one pot. Crowding does not interfere with the development of the plant; on the contrary, it will grow a lush leaf mass and turn into a dense clump.

Planting with seeds

In the wild, wood sorrel reproduces by seed. At home, this method is also suitable, but it is very time-consuming and not always effective, so it is rarely used by gardeners. But if you wish, you can try to grow the plant from seeds.

To do this you will need:

Select a suitable soil mixture. It must contain sand, peat, humus.
Plant the seeds in the prepared place, simply spreading them over the surface of the soil. There is no need to cover them with soil.
Cover the pot with film or glass, place the container in a cool room with a temperature of 16-18 degrees. Also, the place should be well lit. It is important that the sunlight is diffused.
Next, monitor the soil moisture and ventilate the room.

With proper care, the first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks.

Features of caring for oxalis: abundant watering and regular feeding

Caring for oxalis grown in captivity should include regular and abundant moisture and fertilizing in spring and summer.

How to water a flower

With the onset of warm days, oxalis needs frequent and abundant watering. You need to moisten the flower as needed. On hot summer days, the procedure can be performed daily in the morning and evening. During the same period, it is worth additionally spraying oxalis. During the day, experienced gardeners do not recommend doing this, since droplets of water falling on the delicate leaves can lead to burns.

In October, the flower begins a dormant period; at this time, watering should be reduced and spraying should be stopped altogether.

Does oxalis need feeding?

Fertilizers will help maintain the decorative appearance of the plant; thanks to a sufficient amount of nutrients, the foliage will have a juicy and bright color, and the petioles will not stretch, thereby preventing the bush from falling apart. It is recommended to fertilize twice a month from April to August.

To carry out the procedure, a complex preparation for decorative foliage indoor plants is suitable. You can use drugs in liquid form, for example, Kemira Lux or Fertika.

In order for the plant to grow abundantly foliage and bloom beautifully, regular feeding is necessary.

Flowering period

Under favorable conditions, oxalis usually begins to bloom in April and this process lasts until September. The buds replace each other and the impression of continuous flowering is created. Faded inflorescences do not need to be removed; they do not interfere with the development of oxalis. However, such plants do not look very neat, so the flower stalks can be cut off at the base.

Sometimes oxalis does not want to bloom. This happens especially often in very dark rooms. Solving the problem is very simple; to do this, just move the flower to a bright place, or even better, take the pot out onto the loggia or balcony. Outdoors, wood sorrel blooms profusely and for a long time.

Outdoors, oxalis blooms profusely and for a long time.

Formation of a bush

As they grow, the oxalis bushes begin to stretch out and fall apart. To prevent this from happening, the plant requires regular pruning. About once a month it is necessary to thin out the sorrel, cutting off excess leaves. This procedure will stimulate the appearance of new leaves and the bush will always be neat and fluffy.

Rest period. Bulb storage

Oxalis requires a period of rest in winter. Some species (bulbous plants) themselves inform their owners about the need for rest; their aboveground part dies off in the fall. In October, the vegetative mass is cut off and watering of the flower is stopped. The bulbs are left in the ground and the pot is placed in a cool and dark room with a temperature of +12–14°C. The soil should not be too dry; if necessary, it should be slightly moistened. In the spring, as soon as the sprouts appear, the sorrel is placed in a sunny place and the substrate begins to be moistened abundantly. the flower very quickly increases its vegetative mass and begins to bloom within 1–1.5 months.

Species whose vegetative mass does not die off in the fall also require relative dormancy in winter. In December, they are transferred to a cool but bright room (or placed closer to the glass, separated from the warm room by a screen. The temperature for oxalis at this time should be +16–18 °C. Watering is reduced, the flower is watered after 2–3 days with cool water.

How care errors manifest themselves and how to correct the situation (table)

Problem	Cause	Corrective measures
Leaves change color	Not enough sun rays	Move the plant pot to a sunnier location.
The leaves are withering	Overmoistening	When transplanting oxalis, ensure good drainage in the pot to remove excess moisture. Adjust the watering mode. Moisten generously, but after the soil in the container has dried.
Spots appeared on the leaves	Sunburn	Protect the plant from direct sunlight.
Tips of leaf blades dry out	Sunburn, high temperature and low humidity.	Periodically spray the plant with warm water in spring and summer.
Oxalis stretched out	Lack of sunlight	Trim the elongated leaves and place the flower in a sunny place on a windowsill facing east or west.
Leaves dry out and die	Natural process	Cut off the entire above-ground part and send the sorrel to a cool and dark room to rest. In spring the plant will begin to grow.

Video: features of caring for oxalis (oxalis)

Brief description of cultivation

Bloom. From the last days of May or from the first days of June until winter.
Illumination. A bright light is required, which must be diffused.
Temperature conditions. During the growing season, the air temperature should be in the range from 20 to 25 degrees, and during the dormant period - from 12 to 18 degrees.
Watering. In the spring-summer period, watering should be plentiful, and in the cold season - from moderate to meager.
Air humidity. It grows well with air humidity, which is typical for living spaces, but if the room is too hot, then sometimes moisten the foliage with a spray bottle.
Fertilizer. During intensive growth, fertilizing is carried out once every 15–20 days; for this purpose, mineral complex fertilizers are used in half the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
Rest period. It begins after flowering and lasts 4–6 weeks.
Transfer. Young bushes are replanted every year, and adults - once every 2 or 3 years.
Reproduction. Most often, nodules or daughter bulbs are used, and more rarely, the seed method.
Harmful insects. Aphids, scale insects and spider mites.
Diseases. Fusarium and gray rot.
Properties. This plant has healing properties; its foliage contains large amounts of vitamin C.

The most common diseases and pests of wood sorrel, their signs, prevention and treatment measures (table)

Pest/disease	Signs	Reason for appearance	Treatment
Spider mite	Leaves curl; a thin cobweb is visible on the reverse side.	Dry indoor air	Treat the flower with Actellik, diluting it in water according to the instructions for the insecticide. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days.
Aphid	Leaves curl; on the reverse side there is a noticeable accumulation of greenish insects.	Dry indoor air	Add liquid soap (1 tbsp) to 1 glass of water and place. Soak a cotton swab in the solution and rinse all affected parts of the plant.
Fusarium	The leaves wither; a coating appears at the base of the stems.	Too much moisture and stagnation of water in the pot	Remove the flower from the pot and wash the roots. Trim the parts damaged by rot to healthy tissue. Treat the plant with a solution of the drug Fundazol. Plant it in a new substrate, while making drainage at the bottom of the container.

Pests and diseases of oxalis (photo)

Fusarium appears as a result of excessive moisture

Aphids accumulate on the back of the leaf

Spider mites appear on the plant when kept in a room with too dry air

Poisonous or not?

In folk medicine, oxalis has long been used to treat certain diseases and strengthen the body. In addition, the leaves of the plant, containing vitamin C, oxalic, malic and succinic acid, were added to food.

Despite this, sorrel is not included in the list of medicinal or edible herbs and is considered conditionally toxic . It is not recommended to be used as food or used for self-medication, since the high content of oxalic acid is harmful to people suffering from diseases of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

Reference! In Latin American countries, tuber oxalis is cultivated as an agricultural crop. Edible tubers, rich in starch, are eaten fresh or dried after cooking.

How does oxalis reproduce?

Oxalis (oxalis) can reproduce in one of the following ways:

bulbs;
nodules;
cuttings;
seeds.

Propagation of oxalis by bulbs is the easiest way

Reproduction by bulbs or nodules is carried out when replanting a plant in the spring

Bulbous species of oxalis are very easily propagated by bulbs. Usually they grow a lot over the course of a season, then they are stored in the winter in the same pot in which the sorrel grew, and in the spring, during transplantation, the flower can be propagated.

They do it like this:

The roots are taken out of the pot and washed in warm water.
The bulbs are separated from each other.
Dip them for 15 minutes in a solution of a growth stimulator, for example, in Kornevin.
Then they plant several pieces in a small pot and place them in a warm place.
When sprouts appear, the pots are moved to a bright windowsill.

The same applies when propagating oxalis species whose roots are in the form of nodules.

Cuttings

Another method involves propagating this indoor flower by taking cuttings from an adult plant. The stages are as follows:

Cut off a stem with several leaves at the base.
Excess leaf blades are cut off, leaving 1-2 on the cutting.
The cutting is placed in water.
After about 2-3 weeks, roots and new shoots will appear.
When the sprouts grow to 1.5 cm, the rooted cuttings are planted in a loose substrate.

Cuttings are an effective way to propagate oxalis

The seed method has not taken root among flower growers. Indoor oxalis species reproduce well vegetatively, so there is no need to propagate them using this method. And garden forms, for example, carob oxalis, reproduce well by self-sowing.

Reproduction

In nature, wood sorrel propagation occurs through seeds. At home, this method is rarely used. There is the most reliable method - vegetative.

But, if you decide to try to grow oxalis from seeds, then the procedure is as follows:

Prepare the soil - to do this, mix soil, peat and river sand in a ratio of 4 to 4 to 1.
Scatter the seeds. There is no need to close them up. Cover the pot with glass.
Provide diffused lighting, the required humidity and air temperature of 16 - 18°C.

Don't forget to ventilate your crops every day. The first shoots will appear in the period from one week to one month after planting the seeds.

Tubers

Planting material is selected in March. Tubers cut from the mother bush are placed in a common container and lightly sprinkled with soil. Until the roots appear, you should maintain a constant temperature at +10 ° C and periodically moisten the soil.

The first roots will appear after 15–20 days. 1 month after planting, the temperature should be increased to +20...25 °C.

Advice! Tubers ready for planting in a permanent place should be washed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

Dividing the roots

During a planned transplant of oxalis, you need to carefully divide the mother bush into several parts using a sharp knife. Each new plant must be transplanted into an individual cup.

Seeds

You can sow seeds both in individual and in common pots. It is important not to deepen the planting material too deeply, otherwise you will have to wait a long time for germination.

The containers must be covered with plastic film to maintain the internal microclimate until sprouts appear; the humidity must be at a constant level. Viable seeds sprout 10–14 days after sowing.

Attention! You can transplant young wood sorrel into pots when 4 true leaves appear.