Origin and Common Names
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. is a native plant of North America. It is commonly known as Wright's woodsorrel or Texas yellow oxalis.
Uses
The plant has several uses. It is ornamental and is often planted in gardens. The leaves are edible and can be used in salads or as a souring agent in stews and soups. The roots also have medicinal properties and are used to treat stomach ailments and fever.
General Appearance
The plant has a short, slender stem and long-petioled leaves that are green on the upper side and purple on the underside. The flowers are yellow and appear in the spring. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and spreads via rhizomes. It prefers moist soils and partial shade but can grow in a variety of conditions.
Light Requirements
The Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii typically requires partial to full sunlight to grow optimally. These plants enjoy a well-lit area, but direct sunlight for prolonged periods can be harmful to them.
Temperature Requirements
The Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii thrives in a wide range of temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range for them ranges between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). These plants are tolerant of a range of temperature fluctuations but cannot tolerate extreme temperature variations.
Soil Requirements
The Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii grows best in well-draining, sandy, and loamy soil. The ideal soil pH range for these plants ranges between 5.5 to 6.5. They can grow in various soil types, provided the soil is well-aerated and rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. thrives in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. They prefer full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. It is best to plant the bulbs in the fall, approximately 2-3 inches deep in the soil, and 4-6 inches apart. They can also be propagated through seeds or by dividing the bulbs in late summer.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and severely damage the plant. In case of rainwater, avoid watering for a few days as the soil might remain moist, this can trigger the growth of fungus and bacteria. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure proper drainage along with timely watering.
Fertilization
The plant can be fertilized every six weeks from early spring to the end of the summer season. Use fertilizers that are rich in phosphorus and potassium but low in nitrogen. Nitrogen-based fertilizers promote foliage growth, which is not preferable in this case as it may damage the bulb. Fertilizing can help increase the number of flowers and their longevity.
Pruning
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. requires minimal pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers and stems can help maintain the plant's appearance. Remove the dead parts with sharp, clean garden clippers, and handle the plant carefully, as rough handling can damage its delicate parts. Pruning can also prevent the spread of diseases and pests, so make sure to prune when necessary.
Propagation of Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii, commonly known as Wright's oxalis, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to the southwestern parts of the United States and northern Mexico. This plant produces attractive pink flowers and is easy to propagate through various methods.
Seeds
The most common propagation method for Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature seed pods in the fall and then stratified for about 4-6 weeks. Stratification is a process of exposing the seeds to a cold, moist environment to encourage germination. After that, the seeds can either be sowed directly into the ground or indoors in pots. The ideal soil mixture for planting seeds is a mix of peat moss and perlite. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch and watered regularly.
Division
Another propagation method for Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii is through division. This can be done in early spring when the plant begins to grow new shoots. The plant should be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections with roots attached. Each section should have at least one stem and a good amount of healthy roots. The divisions can then be replanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking a 3-4 inch stem cutting from a healthy plant and removing the lower leaves. The cutting should then be inserted into soil or a rooting hormone and placed in a well-lit area with consistent moisture. The cutting should root within a couple of weeks and can then be replanted into a pot or the ground.
Overall, Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii is an easy plant to propagate through seeds, division, or cuttings. By using any of these methods, one can quickly expand the population of this beautiful plant.
Disease Management
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. can be affected by several diseases, and prevention is the best management strategy.
The most common diseases affecting Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and anthracnose. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal growth. Ensure proper air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning affected foliage. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately to prevent spread.
Fungicides can also be applied to control fungal diseases. Copper-based fungicides are effective in preventing powdery mildew and anthracnose whereas sulfur-based fungicides are effective against rust.
Pest Management
Oxalis pilosa Nutt. var. wrightii (Gray) Wieg. can also be affected by pests such as spider mites and aphids. It is essential to regularly inspect plants and detect pests early for successful management.
Prune and dispose of infested foliage and branches. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites and aphids, apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Applying predatory mites can be used to control spider mite infestations.
Sticky traps can also be used to control pests by trapping flying insects. Ensure to remove and dispose of the traps when covered with insects.
It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can attract pests. Proper plant care, such as providing adequate water and light, promotes healthy plants that can resist pests and diseases.
