Overview
Oxalis glabra Thunb. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and is native to East Asia.
Common Names
It is commonly known as Yellow Wood Sorrel, Buttercup Oxalis, and Smooth Oxalis due to its yellow flowers and smooth leaves.
Appearance
Oxalis glabra Thunb. grows up to 20-30 cm in height. It has a bulbous root and fine rootlets. The stem is slender and branched. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning there are three leaflets per leaf, and they are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaflets are round to ovate, smooth, and have a bright green color. It produces yellow flowers, and each flower has five petals. The fruit produced is a cylindrical capsule.
Uses
Oxalis glabra Thunb. has some medicinal uses in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat bruises, pain, and swelling. The plant is also edible, and its leaves and flowers can be added to salads for flavor and color.
Light Requirements
Oxalis glabra Thunb. commonly known as Wood-sorrel prefers bright indirect sunlight. It can also grow well in partial shade conditions. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves of the plant, so it is better to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for an extended time. Placing the plant near a north-facing window is ideal for its optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Oxalis glabra Thunb. lies between 20°C to 28°C. The plant cannot withstand extreme temperatures and would die if exposed to frost or prolonged heat. It is important to maintain a constant room temperature in the range of 20°C to 28°C, especially during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soil that is light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level between 5.5 to 7 is ideal for its growth. The soil must be allowed to dry out slightly before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. It is advised to use a soil mix that contains perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand that enhances drainage. Feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season can promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis glabra Thunb., commonly known as the smooth yellow oxalis, is a relatively easy plant to cultivate as it is adaptable to various environmental conditions. It thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, and it enjoys moderate sunlight exposure. The plant can grow well in pots or in the ground, but if grown in pots, ensure the containers are deep enough to accommodate the long roots of the plant.
Watering needs
The smooth yellow oxalis requires moderate watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Regular watering should be done in the morning to allow moisture to evaporate throughout the day, and to reduce the chances of the plant developing fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to supply the smooth yellow oxalis with nutrients it needs to grow. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at least once every month during the growing season. Overuse of fertilizers can lead to the rapid growth of the plant, which may result in leggy, weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the shape and encourage the growth of the smooth yellow oxalis. Regular pruning should be done by removing any dead or dying leaves, stems, or flowers. Complete pruning should be done during the dormant season by cutting back the stems to a few inches above the soil level. This practice prepares the plant for healthy growth in the next season, and it also reduces the risk of diseases or pests that may thrive in old foliage.
Propagation of Oxalis glabra Thunb.
Oxalis glabra Thunb. can be propagated through various methods including seeds, division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected from the flowers. The seeds should be sown in a pot filled with well-draining soil and kept moist. The pot should be placed in a warm and bright location and the seeds will germinate in a few weeks.
Propagation through division:
An established plant can be propagated through division. Carefully dig out the plant and separate the bulbs into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy shoot and root. The sections should be planted in a new pot filled with soil and watered well.
Propagation through stem cuttings:
The stem cuttings should be taken from a mature plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 5-8cm long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone powder before being inserted into well-drained soil. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. After a few weeks, roots will start to form, and the plastic bag can be removed.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis glabra Thunb.
Oxalis glabra Thunb., commonly known as smooth yellow-sorrel or creeping woodsorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can impact its growth and development. To maintain the plant's health, it's essential to have effective disease and pest management strategies. Here, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that affect Oxalis glabra Thunb. and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases that Affect Oxalis glabra Thunb.
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is one of the most common diseases that affect Oxalis glabra Thunb. It appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves and stems. The fungus can spread through wind or water, and high environmental humidity can increase the disease's incidence. To manage powdery mildew, it's essential to reduce humidity levels, provide good air circulation, and remove affected leaves promptly. Fungicides can be used as a last resort if the disease is severe.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. The plant's roots become mushy and start to decay, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, it's essential to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove affected plant parts immediately. Fungicides can be used as a last resort if the disease is severe.
Common Pests that Affect Oxalis glabra Thunb.
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing leaves, stippling, and webbing. They thrive in dry, hot conditions and can reproduce quickly. To manage spider mites, it's essential to maintain good humidity levels, provide adequate watering, and remove affected plant parts promptly. Insecticides or miticides can be used as a last resort if the infestation is severe.
2. Aphids: Aphids are pear-shaped insects that also suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted growth. They are attracted to new growth and can multiply rapidly. To manage aphids, it's essential to use physical methods like spraying the plant with water or wiping the leaves with soapy water. Insecticides can be used if the infestation is severe.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, it's possible to maintain healthy Oxalis glabra Thunb. plants. Regular monitoring of the plant's health is essential to catch any disease or pest infestation in its early stages before it spreads to other plants.
