Origin
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus, commonly known as Salter's sorrel, is a small perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. The plant is native to South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province.
Common Names
Salter's sorrel is known by a variety of common names, including the Cape wood sorrel and the Rooiklewersuurvy.
Uses
The leaves and stems of Oxalis salteri L.Bolus are used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in South Africa. The acidic leaves are used to relieve indigestion and stomach pains, and the plant is used as a general tonic.
The plant is also used in traditional cuisine and is consumed as a vegetable in salads or cooked with other vegetables.
General Appearance
Salter's sorrel has a prostrate growth habit, forming dense mats that can grow up to 50 cm in diameter. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being heart-shaped and approximately 1 cm long. The leaves are a vibrant green color, with a glossy finish, and the plant produces small yellow flowers that are approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. The plant's stem is slender, with nodes that root at the nodes, allowing the plant to spread out and form a dense mat.
Overall, the plant has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and can be used in landscaping or grown as a potted plant.
Light Requirements
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus is a plant that loves sunlight and it is best grown in full sunlight or partial shade. In fact, bright sunlight enhances the beauty of its unique foliage. It is not suitable for growing in very low light or completely shady areas. For indoor growing, place the pot in a well-lit room that gets plenty of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus plant grows well in warm temperatures of around 70-75°F (21-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C). It is not suitable for growing in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as this can cause the plant to go into dormancy.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Oxalis salteri L.Bolus plant should be well-draining. It prefers soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Soil with a lot of organic matter like compost or peat moss is ideal. If the soil is too heavy and doesn't drain well, mix some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. This plant can be grown in either pots or garden beds as long as the soil requirements are met.
Cultivation
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus, commonly referred to as the ruby-eyed oxalis, is a plant native to South Africa. Cultivating this plant requires a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix. The ideal potting mix should contain an equal blend of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. The pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
The plant prefers a bright but indirect light for optimal growth. South-facing windows are excellent spots for them. They can, however, tolerate partial shade during the hot summer months.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, it is best to keep the soil consistently moist. The plant can rot if left in standing water. To prevent this, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.
You should water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. For best results, use room temperature water and avoid getting the leaves wet. While they can tolerate dry soil, it is best to avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus does not require regular fertilization. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, between spring and fall. You can use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Reduce fertilization during winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilization can cause salt buildup, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus does not require frequent pruning. However, if the plant starts to look spindly or leggy, you can prune it back to promote bushier growth.
When pruning, use sanitized pruning shears to prevent the transfer of pathogens. You can also remove the dead or yellowing leaves to improve the plant's appearance and overall health.
Propagation of Oxalis Salteri L.Bolus
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus can be propagated through various methods depending on the grower’s preference or the availability of the propagation materials. Here are the different propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Oxalis salteri L.Bolus through seeds is easy to carry out, but it takes a long time before the plant matures. Sow the seeds in seed trays using well-draining soil, and ensure that the soil is moist all the time. After the seed germination, transplant the Oxalis salteri L.Bolus seedlings into separate pots after they have produced at least three leaves.
Bulb Division
Another common method of propagating Oxalis salteri L.Bolus is through the division of bulbs. The best time to divide the bulbs is in the dormant season of the plant. Gently remove the parent plant from the pot and separate the bulbs. Each bulb must have a section of the stem and some roots attached. Plant these bulbs in separate pots, making sure that their tips are slightly above the soil level. After planting, water the soil and ensure they get adequate sunlight and moisture for growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Oxalis salteri L.Bolus through cuttings is usually carried out in summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut off a 2-3 inch portion of the stem with two or three sets of leaves, and remove the bottom set of leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity levels. After roots start to show, transfer each cutting into a separate pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis salteri L.Bolus
Oxalis salteri L.Bolus is a beautiful and hardy plant that is easy to care for, but it is still vulnerable to diseases and pests that can compromise its health and aesthetic appeal. Here are the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some tips on how to manage them effectively.
Diseases
The most common disease that might affect Oxalis salteri is powdery mildew. This fungal disease often appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It thrives in humid and warm environments and can spread rapidly throughout the plant if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew on Oxalis salteri, remove the affected leaves and stems immediately and apply a fungicide to the plant according to the instructions on the label.
Another disease that might affect Oxalis salteri is leaf spot. This bacterial or fungal disease manifests as dark spots with yellow halos on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause defoliation and weaken the plant if left unchecked. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and stems and apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant as directed.
Pests
Several pests might infest Oxalis salteri, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. You can manage spider mites by misting the plant's leaves with water regularly and by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control the infestation.
Aphids are another common pest that can affect Oxalis salteri. These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and curl. You can manage aphids by washing them off the plant with a strong jet of water or by using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control their population.
Mealybugs are another pest that commonly infests Oxalis salteri. These insects appear as white, waxy masses on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunting and discoloration of the foliage. You can manage mealybugs by removing them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray to control the infestation.
By taking proactive measures to manage diseases and pests, you can keep your Oxalis salteri L.Bolus healthy and thriving all year round.
