Overview:
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata, also known as the common wood sorrel, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to South Africa and can also be found in several other regions around the world. This plant is popularly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Appearance:
The common wood sorrel is a low-growing plant that reaches up to 20 cm in height. It has an upright stem that is covered with deeply lobed, heart-shaped leaves, which are often arranged in clusters of three. The leaves are green and often have a reddish tint or a purple hue underneath. The flowers are white or pink with purple veins and have five petals. They bloom in spring and continue to flower until fall.
Uses:
The common wood sorrel is used as an edible plant in many cultures. The leaves of the plant are used in salads or cooked as a vegetable and have a tangy taste due to their oxalic acid content. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes as a remedy for indigestion, heartburn, and fever. The juice of the leaves has been used to treat insect bites and stings. Additionally, this plant is used as a natural dye for textiles.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names in different regions of the world, including common wood sorrel, sourgrass, Bermuda buttercup, and soursob. It is also known as "suurvye" or "suurklawer" in Afrikaans, which translates to "sour grapes" and "sour clover," respectively, referring to the plant's tart taste.
Light Requirements
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata prefers moderate to bright light. It can tolerate partial shade but cannot thrive in deep shade. Therefore, it is best to place them in a sunny spot in your garden but provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 35°C, but the optimal temperature range is between 18°C to 25°C. It is best to avoid exposing this plant to extreme temperatures, such as frost or heatwaves.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can grow in a variety of soils, from sandy to loamy. The soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral. The addition of organic matter to the soil can help increase its fertility.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata, commonly known as silver oxalis, is a herbaceous plant that is native to South Africa. The plant prefers cool temperatures and partial shade to full sun exposure. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as the growing conditions are suitable.
To grow silver oxalis, start by selecting a well-draining pot or container. Fill the container with a high-quality potting mix, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Plant the bulbs about 3-4 inches deep in the soil and cover them with a light layer of soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting, and then reduce the frequency of watering once the plant starts to grow.
Keep the plant in a cool, shady area until it has established root systems and leaves. Once established, the plant can be moved to a sunnier location.
Watering needs
Silver oxalis needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to maintain the right balance to avoid overwatering or underwatering, which can harm the plant's growth. One way to check if it needs watering is to touch the soil; if it feels dry about an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
In case of under-watering, the leaves of the plant will wilt, and it will lose its luster. To prevent this, water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods to keep the soil moist. During the winter season, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to ensure that the plant has the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. Nitrogen fertilizers can promote leaf growth while phosphate-rich fertilizers are suitable for bulb development. A fertilizer high in potassium can enhance the coloration of the leaves.
During the dormant or winter season, reduce the fertilization frequency as the plant's growth rate reduces. Overfertilization can cause toxicity, leading to leaf burn and fungal disease.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the plant in shape, improve air circulation around the leaves, and prevent diseases. Prune the plant regularly by removing any dead, wilted, or discolored foliage throughout the growing season.
Pinching back the tips of the oxalis plant stem can promote bushy, compact growth. Trim the stem tips once the plant reaches a height of about 4 to 6 inches, making sure to cut back to about a quarter-inch above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata, commonly known as the Soursob, is a hardy plant that can propagate both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can reproduce sexually through seeds. After flowering in the summer and early autumn, it produces small, round capsules that contain many tiny seeds.
To propagate Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata through seeds, one can collect dry seed capsules and store them in a cool, dry place until the following growing season. The seeds should then be sown in compost or well-draining soil and kept consistently moist until they germinate.
Asexual Propagation
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata can also produce new plants asexually through bulbils, which are small bulbs that grow from the plant's stems and can be removed and planted separately.
To propagate Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata through bulbils, one must wait until the plant has finished flowering and small bulbils have appeared on the stems. The bulbils should be carefully removed and planted in well-draining soil, where they will quickly grow into new plants.
Since this method produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, it can be an effective way to produce numerous plants with desirable traits.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata, commonly known as the sour grass or violet wood-sorrel, is a beautiful perennial plant that is grown primarily for its attractive foliage and spring flowers. However, just like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and vigor. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Oxalis commutata and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves of Oxalis commutata, causing brown spots with yellow halos. The disease can cause significant damage to the plant but can be managed by removing the infected leaves and spraying the plant with fungicides.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of Oxalis commutata, causing rusty spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Oxalis commutata, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. The disease can be managed by reducing watering and improving soil drainage.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of Oxalis commutata, causing the plant to become weak and stunted. The pests can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are another pest that can affect the growth and vigor of Oxalis commutata. The pests can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and spraying it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can feed on the leaves of Oxalis commutata and leave behind unsightly holes. The pests can be managed by using slug and snail traps or applying copper-based molluscicides.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure the healthy growth and vigor of your Oxalis commutata Sond. var. commutata plant.
