Origin
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig, commonly known as Creeping Oxalis, is a member of the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to South America and has since naturalized throughout many regions of the world.
Common Names
Creeping Oxalis has many common names including Sleeping Beauty, Procumbent Yellow Sorrel, and Creeping Woodsorrel.
Uses
Creeping Oxalis is often used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It has also been used as a dietary supplement and for treating skin infections and wounds.
In some regions, Creeping Oxalis is also used as a culinary herb, added to salads or cooked as vegetables.
General Appearance
Creeping Oxalis is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that grows low to the ground, usually not exceeding 12 inches in height. It forms a dense mat of leaves that are trifoliate, with each leaflet being heart-shaped and no more than 1 inch in diameter.
The flowers of Creeping Oxalis are yellow and five-petalled, measuring about half an inch across. They bloom from mid-spring to late summer. The seeds of this plant are contained in small capsules and are dispersed by wind or water.
Creeping Oxalis prefers moist soils and partial to full sun exposure, making it a common sight in lawns, gardens, and disturbed areas.
Growth Conditions for Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig, commonly known as White Wood Sorrel, is a low-growing, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. The species is indigenous to South America but has now naturalized in various parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Africa. Understanding the growth conditions of this plant can help you cultivate it successfully in your garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. The plant prefers a minimum of four hours of sunlight exposure to grow healthily. Lack of light can cause the plant to grow leggy and weak, making it susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, between 60 and 80°F. While Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig can tolerate some cold, it cannot withstand frost. Exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant's leaves and roots, leading to stunted growth or death.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig requires a soil rich in organic matter, with good water retention capacity, and adequate drainage to prevent root rot. The ideal soil type is loamy soil, but the plant can also grow in sandy or clay soil.
In conclusion, to cultivate Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig successfully, it is essential to provide the plant with bright but indirect light exposure, warm temperatures, and a well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Taking care of these growth conditions will result in a healthy and beautiful plant that will add elegance and color to your garden.
Cultivation Method
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig can be grown in either pots or on the ground. The plant prefers well-draining soil, so you can mix garden soil with sand or perlite. In terms of sunlight, the plant requires partial shade to full sunlight. However, it is essential to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this may cause the leaves to scorch.
Watering Needs
When growing Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig, it is essential to keep the soil moist. The plant is relatively tolerant of dry spells, so you don't have to worry about watering it daily. However, you should check the soil regularly and ensure that it remains moist without becoming waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
You can provide nourishment to Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig by adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil. You can use a slow-release fertilizer that contains an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, do not apply fertilizer during the winter months, as the plant is dormant at this time.
Pruning
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig does not require pruning to remain healthy. However, you can trim the plant occasionally to maintain its shape and size. Also, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of diseases. Avoid over-pruning the plant, as this may cause stunted growth or regrowth problems.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig, commonly known as creeping wood sorrel or sleeping beauty, can be propagated through various methods:
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Oxalis corniculata is by seeds. Collect the seeds from the plant once the seed capsules turn brown and dry. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting tray containing a well-draining potting mix. Lightly cover the seeds with the potting mix and mist the soil with water.
Keep the tray in a warm and bright area, watering regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown two to three sets of leaves, transplant them into individual pots or outside into the garden.
Propagation by division
Creeping wood sorrel can also be propagated by division. Dig up the plant and gently loosen the soil around the roots. Divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water well.
It is best to divide the plant in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Divisions can be replanted in separate pots or in the garden as desired.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible but is a bit more challenging. Take stem cuttings of about 3-4 inches long from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a pot filled with damp potting mix.
Place the pot in a warm and bright location, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting will take about 2-3 weeks to root. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into a bigger pot or outdoors.
Whatever method of propagation you choose, make sure to provide the new plants with the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to ensure their growth and development.
Disease Management
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig can be susceptible to various diseases that are commonly found in plants. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is fungal leaf spot. This disease usually appears as small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy any infected leaves and to avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune infected branches and apply fungicides as directed.
Pest Management
Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig can also be susceptible to pest infestations. One of the most common pests that can affect this plant is aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves. To manage aphid infestations, one can use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with a strong stream of water.
Another pest that can affect Oxalis corniculata L. ssp. albicans (Kunth) Lourteig is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant by sucking the sap from them. To manage spider mite infestations, it is suggested to spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
It is recommended to regularly inspect plants for signs of disease or pests. Early detection and prompt management can prevent the spread of these problems and help keep plants healthy and thriving.
