Origin
The plant Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to South Africa, but it also grows in other regions around the world.
Common Names
This plant has many common names, including pink-eyed sorrel, lemon shamrock, wood sorrel, creeping wood sorrel, and creeping oxalis, among others.
Uses
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is a versatile plant that has various uses. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes because of its attractive appearance. Its leaves and flowers are edible and have a tangy lemon-like flavor, making it a popular ingredient in salads, soups, and stews. In traditional medicine, this plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin irritations.
General Appearance
This plant has a creeping habit, and it spreads by producing runners. It has trifoliate leaves that are usually bright green with purple veining. Its flowers are pink or white and have five petals that are arranged in a star shape. The flowers bloom from spring to fall, depending on the climate. Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth thrives in moist but well-drained soil and prefers partial shade.
Light Requirements
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth prefers bright, indirect light with some shade. Full sun can damage the delicate leaves of the plant. Growers should place the plant in a location with bright light that is protected from direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). The plant can tolerate higher temperatures with adequate humidity, but it is best to avoid higher temperatures with low humidity as this can damage the leaves. Growers should avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth prefers loose, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A suitable soil mixture can be made by combining peat moss, coarse sand, and perlite. The plant should not be allowed to sit in standing water as this can cause root rot. Growers are advised to repot the plant once a year to refresh the soil and prevent overcrowding.
Cultivation Methods:
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is a small, seasonal plant and commonly regarded as a weed. It grows in a wide range of conditions from moist to dry soils, and pH ranging from acid to alkaline. It prefers bright, filtered sunlight or partial shade. When planting, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil and spread it evenly. Plant the seeds or bulbs in thin layers, about 2-3 cm apart from each other. Cover the seeds or bulbs with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly.
Watering Needs:
The watering needs of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth depends on the soil moisture and air humidity. Water the plants thoroughly every two weeks, especially during dry spells. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between each watering. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization:
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer regularly to promote healthy growth. The best time for fertilization is during the growing season. Follow the product instructions and apply the fertilizer as directed. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can damage the roots and leaves.
Pruning:
Pruning is not required for Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth, as it is a small, seasonal plant. However, deadheading flowers may encourage more blooms. Cut off the fading flowers close to the base of the stem. This process will direct the plant's energy towards producing new buds for more flowers. It is also advisable to remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves as they can harbor pests and diseases.
Propagation of Oxalis Commutata Sond. Var. Pusilla R.Knuth
Oxalis Commutata Sond. Var. Pusilla R.Knuth, commonly known as the "Soursob," is a low-growing herbaceous plant that is native to southern Africa. It is known for its bright green foliage and small white flowers. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common form of propagation for the "Soursob" plant is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature plants when the seed pods have formed and turned brown. These seeds can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate the "Soursob" plant is through division. This method involves digging up the entire plant and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and foliage intact. These smaller sections can be planted in a well-draining soil in a new location, where they will establish themselves as individual plants.
Cutting Propagation
The "Soursob" plant can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves cutting a stem from a mature plant and placing it in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a shaded area until it has formed roots and can be planted in its new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices can help prevent damage to the plant and ensure its healthy growth.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is root rot. Root rot can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soils that provide a suitable environment for fungal growth. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and maintain well-draining soils. If the plant is affected by root rot, reduce the amount of water provided and use a fungicide to treat the soil.
Another common disease is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, reduce humidity levels and provide good air circulation. Additionally, use a fungicide to treat the plant if it is affected by the disease.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth is spider mites. Spider mites can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. To prevent spider mites, maintain proper humidity levels and avoid overwatering the plant. Use a miticide to treat the plant if it is affected by spider mites.
Another common pest is aphids. Aphids can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and spreading diseases. To prevent aphids, provide good air circulation and avoid overcrowding the plants. If the plant is affected by aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant.
Regularly inspecting the plant and implementing preventative measures can help keep Oxalis commutata Sond. var. pusilla R.Knuth healthy and thriving.
