Origin and Common Names
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig is a native plant species of South America and can also be found in the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and Mexico. The plant is commonly known as "Creeping Woodsorrel" or "Creeping Oxalis".
General Appearance
The plant has a creeping habit and spreads through underground rhizomes. It grows up to 20 cm in height and has trifoliate green leaves with purple spots. The leaves fold downwards at night or during cloudy weather. The plant has pale yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Uses
The leaves and flowers of Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata have been used in traditional medicine for their diuretic properties and as a treatment for inflammation, coughs, and fevers. The plant is also used as a salad green or a tangy condiment in some culinary traditions. Due to its creeping habit, it can be used as a groundcover in landscaping projects.
Light Requirements
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig grows best in partial shade to full sun. It tolerates some shade, but low light levels can result in spindly stems and poor growth. In full sun, the leaves can burn, so it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers mild to warm temperatures ranging from 55°F to 80°F. High temperatures in the summer can cause the leaves to wilt, but they will recover once temperatures cool down. Frost can damage the plant, so it is best to protect it in areas with freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. If the soil is too dry, the plant will go dormant.
Cultivation methods
The Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig plant is best grown in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can be planted as an outdoor groundcover or grown indoors in a suitable container. The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if regular watering is provided. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig plant requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. The soil should be kept lightly damp, and the plant should be watered whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely as this may lead to wilting or leaf drop.
Fertilization
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig plant requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and blooms. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 once per month during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it to the soil, avoiding the foliage.
Pruning
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig plant requires occasional pruning to control its growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Prune the plant in early spring, removing any old, woody stems and cutting back the remaining stems by about one-third. Pinch off any dead or wilted leaves throughout the year to promote new growth.
Propagation of Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, is a low-growing perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some effective propagation techniques:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata is through division. This method is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Simply dig up the parent plant and carefully separate the clumps into smaller sections. Replant these sections in a new location, making sure to keep the soil moist until they establish roots.
Seed propagation
Another way to propagate the creeping woodsorrel is through seed propagation. Gather seeds from the plant once the seed capsules have turned brown and dried. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a shallow container or tray. Cover the seeds lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright location. Germination usually takes two to four weeks.
Cutting propagation
A third option for propagating Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata is through cutting propagation. Take a cutting of the plant stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. The cutting should develop roots within a few weeks.
Bear in mind that this species of Oxalis can become invasive if not managed properly, so it's important to keep it under control and limit its spread by removing unwanted plants and flowers before they set seed.
Disease Management
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by bacterial and fungal pathogens under certain conditions. The following are the common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Bacterial blight: This disease is characterized by water-soaked spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. The spots turn brown and may have yellow halos. To manage bacterial blight, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and discard them to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation by spacing out the plants.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease causes circular, tan to dark brown spots on the leaves. The spots may merge and form irregularly-shaped patches, leading to defoliation. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove infected plant parts and discard them. Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. Apply a fungicide labeled for use on Oxalis plants, following the instructions on the label.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several soil-borne fungi that attack the roots, causing them to rot. The symptoms are stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of leaves, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Remove and discard infected plants.
Pest Management
Oxalis florida Salisb. ssp. prostrata may also be attacked by several pests that can cause damage to the plant. The following are the common pests that may affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the remaining aphids.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the remaining spider mites. Increase humidity levels around the plant to discourage spider mites from proliferating.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the foliage of the plant, leaving large holes in the leaves. To manage slugs and snails, handpick them and remove them from the plant. Apply slug and snail bait around the plant, following the instructions on the label.
