Description of Oxalis repens Thunb
Oxalis repens Thunb., known as creeping woodsorrel or creeping oxalis, is a perennial plant native to South Africa and naturalized in many parts of the world. It belongs to the family of Oxalidaceae and the genus Oxalis, which includes over 800 species of plants.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as creeping wood-sorrel, sleeping beauty, love plant, and iron cross.
General Appearance
Oxalis repens is a low-growing plant that spreads rapidly by creeping stolons that root at the nodes. It has trifoliate leaves that resemble clover, with each leaflet being approximately 1-2 cm long. The leaves are a light green color and can fold up at night or in the absence of sunlight, giving it the common name "sleeping beauty." The flowers are bright yellow with five petals and are borne singly or in small clusters on long stalks above the leaves. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-15 cm and is adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions.
Uses
Oxalis repens Thunb has some traditional medicinal uses in Africa. The leaves are used to treat urinary tract infections, sore throats, and fever. The roots and leaves of the plant are also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant is sometimes used as an ornamental ground cover or in hanging baskets due to its attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers. Additionally, some people use Oxalis repens as a food source. The plant is tart, and the leaves, stems, and flowers are used in salads, soups, and sauces. However, oxalis leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Growth Conditions for Oxalis Repens Thunb.
Oxalis Repens Thunb., commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, is a plant that is native to South Africa. It is known for its attractive foliage and flowers which make it a popular houseplant. Below are the typical growth conditions required for Oxalis Repens Thunb.:
Light Requirements
Oxalis repens prefers bright indirect light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. The best place to grow it is near a window that receives bright light for most of the day. If this is not possible, artificial light can be provided using a fluorescent bulb or LED grow light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Oxalis repens is between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F but cannot survive freezing temperatures. It is important to keep the plant away from air conditioning units and heating vents as they can disrupt the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis repens requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts is ideal for the plant. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. It is important to fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation of Oxalis repens Thunb.
Oxalis repens Thunb. is an easy-to-care plant that can be cultivated in pots or planted directly in the garden. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It does well in full sun or part shade, and it can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Watering Needs of Oxalis repens Thunb.
When it comes to watering Oxalis repens Thunb., it is best to keep the soil evenly moist. You can accomplish this by watering the plant deeply once a week or more often during the hot and dry months. However, do not overwater the plant as it may cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Oxalis repens Thunb.
To maintain the plant's health and encourage growth, you can fertilize Oxalis repens Thunb. with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer once a month to the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may cause damage to the roots.
Pruning of Oxalis repens Thunb.
You can control the growth of Oxalis repens Thunb. by pruning it back after it has finished flowering. Take care to remove any dead or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, if the plant becomes too leggy, you can trim it back to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Oxalis Repens Thunb.
Oxalis Repens Thunb. can be propagated by either seeds or vegetative propagation methods such as division and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Oxalis Repens Thunb. should be collected after the seed pod has turned brown and starts to open. The seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged and place them in a warm and bright spot. Germination should occur in 2 to 3 weeks.
Division
Another propagation method is division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections. To perform division, the plant should be dug up and carefully separated into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots. The divisions should be replanted into individual pots or directly in the garden bed.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature Oxalis Repens Thunb. plants. Take cuttings from the stem with a clean, sharp knife. The cuttings should be at least 4 inches long and have several leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and the cutting in a warm and brightly lit location until it has rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis repens Thunb.
Oxalis repens Thunb. is a relatively low maintenance plant, but it is not completely immune to diseases and pests that can cause significant plant damage. It's essential to manage disease and pest issues quickly and effectively to prevent them from spreading and causing long-term plant damage.
Common Diseases and Pests
Fungal Diseases: Oxalis repens Thunb. is susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf and stem blight caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella oxalidis. The disease can cause wilted and discolored foliage, and affected leaves may develop yellow or brown spots.
Root Rot: Overwatering plants or planting them in poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. Symptoms can include wilted leaves, yellowing foliage, and stunted growth.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause significant damage to Oxalis repens Thunb. They typically feed on leaves, leaving behind large holes, which can cause defoliation and reduce plant vigor.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to plant leaves by sucking the sap out of them. They can cause leaf discoloration and leave a fine webbing on the damaged leaves.
Management Strategies
Cultural Control: Good cultural practices can help prevent many disease and pest problems. Plant Oxalis repens Thunb. in well-drained soils, avoid overwatering, and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation. Remove dead and decaying plant material as soon as possible.
Chemical Control: Fungicides can be effective in managing fungal diseases. Use them as soon as symptoms are noticed, and follow the application instructions on the label carefully. Insecticides can be used to control pests like slugs and snails, but be sure to use safe products, and follow the instructions carefully.
Manual Control: Manual methods like handpicking pests or using a high-pressure water spray can be effective in removing spider mites. Use a soap or oil solution to cover leaves and stems, and then rinse off the plant with a strong jet of water.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can help ensure that your Oxalis repens Thunb. plant remains healthy and vibrant.
