Overview
Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is a flowering plant found in the regions of Western and Northwestern Mexico. It is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Mexican wood sorrel, Oca, and Yellow oxalis.
Appearance
The plant has a tuberous root system that produces large numbers of yellow oxalis flowers. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate with greenish-yellow or light green color and have oval-shaped leaflets. The plant can grow up to 50 cm tall and spans around 30 cm in width. It has a soft and delicate texture with light green stems.
Uses
The plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance. The leaves of the plant are sour in taste and are used in salads as it has a high concentration of Vitamin C. The plant is also used as a traditional medicinal plant for treating digestive ailments. Its tuberous root is used for making pudding, teas and is consumed as a vegetable.
Light Requirements
The plant Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter requires a good amount of bright light for its growth and development. It thrives well under full sunlight to partial shade conditions, but too much hot and direct sunlight may harm its foliage and inhibit its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is native to cool humid regions of South Africa and generally prefers mild temperature conditions. It grows best in a temperature range of 15-22°C (59-72°F) during the daytime and 10-15°C (50-59°F) at night. The plant is not frost tolerant and cannot survive in freezing temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter thrives well in well-draining soils with high organic matter content. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The plant also requires a soil that is rich in nutrients and is well-aerated, which ensures that the roots get sufficient oxygen for their growth and development. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil as it can lead to root rot, which can harm the plant.
Cultivation
Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter, also known as the golden oxalis, is a low-growing plant that is easy to cultivate. It grows well in warm, partly sunny locations with well-draining soil. These plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 10, and they are typically grown as ground covers, especially in areas where lawns are difficult or impossible to establish.
When planting Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter, dig a hole twice the width of the plant's root ball and lightly loosen the roots. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly. The plants should be spaced about a foot apart to allow them to grow and spread.
Watering Needs
Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter prefers soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry weather. During periods of heavy rain, be sure to check the plants frequently and adjust your watering schedule as necessary to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Golden oxalis does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can provide them with a light dressing of organic fertilizers in the spring or summer to promote growth and flowering. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer that will feed the plants slowly over time. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the correct amount to use.
Pruning
To keep your Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter looking neat and tidy, trim away any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also trim back the plants after flowering to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Use sharp, clean pruners to avoid damaging the plants, and make cuts just above a leaf node to promote new growth. If you want to propagate the plants, use the trimmings to start new plants.
Propagation of Oxalis crocea T.M. Salter
Oxalis crocea T.M. Salter is a beautiful, bulbous perennial plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is commonly known as the saffron-yellow wood sorrel due to its saffron-yellow flowers. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy, and several methods can be applied.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Oxalis crocea is through seeds. Collecting ripe seeds is recommended, which should be sown immediately in well-draining soil mix. A seedling tray filled with potting mix should be used, and the seeds should be sprinkled on top of the soil.
Once the seeds are spread, cover them lightly with soil before watering the tray. It is essential to keep the tray moist until the seedlings start to grow.
Bulb Propagation
Oxalis crocea can also be propagated by separating the bulbs, which form at the base of the plant. Dividing the bulbs is a quick and convenient way of creating more plants. This method should be applied during the dormant season. The bulbs should be dug out gently, and the parent plant should be left undisturbed. The bulbs should be separated gently, and the injured parts should be left to dry before planting in well-draining soil.
Vegetative Propagation
Cutting is another way of propagating Oxalis crocea. Cuttings should be made from the parent plant before planting in moist soil and humid conditions to stimulate root growth. The cutting should be kept moist throughout the rooting phase, and adequate soil moisture should be maintained.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter
Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is a beautiful plant that requires proper care to remain healthy. However, the plant is susceptible to attacks from diseases and pests, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and in severe cases, death. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that affect Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter and how to manage them.
Common diseases affecting Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter
One of the most common diseases that affect Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is the fungal disease, Rust. Rust is characterized by brownish-yellow spots on leaves that later turn into small pustules. The disease thrives in humid conditions and can quickly spread if not managed.
To manage Rust, you can apply copper fungicides to the affected areas. Also, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, as this will promote humid conditions that favor the disease. Regularly prune the plant to improve air circulation.
Another common disease that affects Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is anthracnose. Anthracnose shows up as small, dark spots on leaves that later enlarge and cause leaf drop. The disease thrives in cool and wet conditions.
To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy all infected plant parts. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also apply fungicides to the plant to curb the spread of the disease.
Common pests affecting Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter
The most common pests that affect Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter are aphids and thrips. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plants. They cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortions.
To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Prune the heavily infested plant parts and destroy them. You can also attract natural predators of aphids such as ladybugs and lacewings to control their population.
Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl and develop silver streaks. They also transmit viruses to plants.
To manage thrips, you can use sticky traps to trap and kill them. Also, ensure that the plant is adequately irrigated as thrips thrive in dry conditions. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter is susceptible to attacks from diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures to manage them and ensure the plant remains healthy. Regularly inspect the plant for symptoms of diseases and pests and take appropriate measures to control them. By doing this, you will keep your Oxalis crocea T.M.Salter healthy and thriving.
