Overview
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the pink wood sorrel, fynbos soutslaai, or rooiklawerbossie. The plant has been introduced to other parts of the world and has become naturalized in some areas, including North America.
General Appearance
The pink wood sorrel typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads out to form a dense mat of green leaves. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The leaflets are narrowly oval in shape, around 2.5 cm long, and have smooth edges.
The plant produces delicate pink flowers that are around 1 cm in diameter and have five petals. The flowers bloom in spring and summer and are pollinated by bees and other insects.
Uses
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive pink flowers and dense foliage. It is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
Some people also consume the leaves and flowers of the plant for their tangy flavor, which is similar to that of a lemon. The leaves can be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes as a garnish or to add flavor.
Light Requirements
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. grows best in partial shade to full sun exposure. It requires bright, indirect light if grown indoors and direct sun exposure if planted outside. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch or curling. If grown in low lighting conditions, the plant may become leggy and fail to produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). The plant is not frost-hardy and cannot survive low temperatures. During the growing season, it is important to maintain a constant temperature to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant does not tolerate water-logged soil, as this can cause root rot. Sand or perlite can be added to the soil mix to improve drainage. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond., commonly known as the Florida wood-sorrel, is a perennial plant that grows best in climates with mild winters and moderate temperatures. It is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated through division or from seed.
The plant prefers partial to full shade, although it can tolerate some sunlight. It thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level of around 5.0-6.0. It is important not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.
If grown in pots, choose a container with good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Adding perlite or coarse sand to the potting soil can also help with drainage.
Watering Needs
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers to be kept slightly moist, but never waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the summer months, it may be necessary to water more frequently, especially in hot and dry climates. Avoid getting the leaves wet while watering to prevent fungal diseases from occurring.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied every two weeks during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and flowering.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost tea or worm castings, can also be used as a side dressing for the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. does not require regular pruning, but deadheading faded flowers can help prolong the blooming period.
If the plant becomes too leggy or starts to die back during the winter months, pruning can be done in early spring to promote new growth. Cut back the foliage to about an inch above the soil level, and new leaves should emerge as the weather warms up.
Propagation of Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is a plant species that can be propagated through different methods. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. can be propagated in spring or fall by spreading them on the moist soil bed. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which takes about 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed, they can either be transplanted to individual pots or outside in the garden.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is through division. This method can be done in fall when the plant is entering the dormant stage. Lift the plant from the soil and separate the bulb clusters gently. Each cluster should have a few bulbs. Replant the divided bulbs in the same soil mix and keep it moist until new growth appears.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method for propagating Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. Choose a healthy plant with fully-grown leaves and stems for the cuttings. Make a cutting from the stem of around 10-15 cm long and remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem. To prevent the cutting from wilting, keep it in a container with moist soil mix. The container should be placed in a relatively bright area but avoid direct sunlight. New growth should appear in a few weeks.
Regardless of the propagation method used, ensure that the newly propagated plants are well-watered and kept in a shaded area before they are transplanted to their permanent locations.
Disease management
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect the appearance and health of the plant. It is important to identify the disease early and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of infection. Here are some common diseases that can affect Oxalis florida:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn brown or yellow. The infected leaves may drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves, avoid wetting the foliage and use fungicides if necessary.
- Botrytis blight: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves and stems to wilt and turn brown. It thrives in cool, damp environments and can spread quickly. To manage botrytis blight, remove the infected parts of the plant, improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can weaken the plant and reduce its aesthetic value. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected leaves, improve air circulation and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest management
Oxalis florida E.Mey. ex Sond. can attract various pests that can cause damage to the plant. It is important to identify the pest early and take necessary measures to prevent infestation. Here are some common pests that can affect Oxalis florida:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, distortion and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil or introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or speckled. They thrive in dry environments. To manage spider mites, improve humidity levels, use insecticidal soap or introduce predatory mites.
- Thrips: These are slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can cause distortion of the plant tissue, leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap or introduce predatory insects such as lacewings.
