Overview
Oxalis stokoei Weintroub, commonly known as Stokoe's wood-sorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is endemic to the Mounts Iago and Nimba in West Africa, and it grows at high elevations on rocky outcrops and cliffs.
Description
Stokoe's wood-sorrel is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 15cm tall. It has a rosette of trifoliate leaves that are green on the upper surface and purplish underneath. The leaves have long petioles, and each leaflet is about 1-2cm long. The flowers are yellow with five petals and are about 1cm across. They are borne singly or in clusters on stalks that are about 6cm long.
Uses
Stokoe's wood-sorrel is used in traditional medicine in West Africa as a remedy for stomach problems, toothache, and fever. The plant contains oxalic acid, which gives it a sour taste, and it is used as a food seasoning in some parts of West Africa. The plant also has ornamental value and is grown in rock gardens and as a groundcover.
Cultivation
Stokoe's wood-sorrel prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold and drought. Propagation is by seed or by division of the rhizomes.
Light Requirements
Oxalis stokoei West. needs to grow under filtered sunlight or partial shade, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant, but shade can cause it to grow weakly. Therefore, filtered sunlight is the sweet spot that encourages optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in cool temperatures with an ideal range between 16 - 26 °C. It doesn't tolerate extreme temperatures, either low or high. Therefore, it's best to grow Oxalis stokoei indoors, where you can maintain the temperatures within the ideal range.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers loamy soil and does not do well in clayey soils that retain water and can cause root rot or fungal diseases. Oxalis stokoei also requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis stokoei Weintroub, commonly known as Stokoe's Wood Sorrel, is a beautiful and delicate plant that is native to South America. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that grows up to 10 cm tall and spreads through stems that root at the nodes. Here's how to cultivate it:
- Location: Choose a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, and too little light can cause the plant to become leggy.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Oxalis stokoei is between 18°C and 24°C.
- Propagation: You can propagate the plant through seed or division. Seeds can be sown in early spring. Dividing the plant is best done in the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Oxalis stokoei requires consistent, moderate watering. Here are some tips for watering this plant:
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Reduce watering in the winter months, as the plant goes dormant during this period.
- If you are growing Oxalis stokoei in a container, make sure that the container has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the base of the plant.
Fertilization
Oxalis stokoei does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to encourage more vigorous growth and a greater number of blooms, you can fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer. Here's how to do it:
- Fertilize the plant once every month during the growing season, from spring to fall.
- Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before applying it to the plant.
- Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as this can cause leaf burn.
- In the winter months, stop fertilizing the plant as it goes dormant during this period.
Pruning
Oxalis stokoei does not require extensive pruning. However, regular deadheading of spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Here's how to do it:
- Use pruning shears to cut off the spent flowers at the base of their stems.
- Prune away any yellowing or dead leaves to promote healthier growth.
- In the fall, you can cut the plant back to ground level to prepare it for winter dormancy.
- When pruning, make sure to sterilize your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Oxalis stokoei Weintroub
Oxalis stokoei Weintroub, commonly known as the pink-flowered woodsorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. One of the wonderful characteristics of this plant is that it has the ability to propagate via different methods. Here are the various propagation methods of Oxalis stokoei Weintroub:
Division
Propagation through division is a common method for Oxalis stokoei Weintroub. This method involves separating the roots and rhizomes of the parent plant into several sections and planting them into individual containers or the garden soil. Each section should have enough buds, leaves, and roots to grow independently. Be sure to water regularly, especially during the establishment period.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another method to propagate Oxalis stokoei Weintroub. Collect the mature seed pods, which are small, pointed, and explode when ripe, to ensure you get viable seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix with peat and vermiculite, keep the soil moist, and place it in a warm location. Germination should occur within a few weeks, and once the seedlings grow to a suitable size, transplant them to their permanent location.
Bulbils
Propagation through bulbils is also a method used for Oxalis stokoei Weintroub. The plant produces bulbils on thin stems or the inflorescences after flowering. Allow the bulbils to mature and separate them from the parent plant. Plant each bulbil in well-draining soil, with a depth of approximately 5cm. Water regularly and mulch around the base of the new plant to encourage a good, healthy start.
Overall, Oxalis stokoei Weintroub is a beautiful and adaptable plant that can be propagated through various methods, including division of roots and rhizomes, seed propagation, and bulbils. Just ensure that the environment provided and the propagation method utilized is suitable for the method's requirements and the plant's needs.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis stokoei Weintroub
Oxalis stokoei Weintroub is a beautiful plant that adds beauty to gardens and indoor spaces. However, these plants require proper care to keep them healthy and prevent damage from pests and diseases. Here are common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Root Rot: Oxalis stokoei Weintroub is susceptible to root rot caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. The plant might start to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. To prevent root rot, ensure that you plant the Oxalis in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
2. Gray Mold: Gray mold is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Oxalis stokoei Weintroub, causing them to turn brown and die. The disease thrives in damp, humid conditions. To manage gray mold, prune and remove infected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid watering from above.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and develop deformities. They can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that affects Oxalis stokoei Weintroub. They feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting. You can manage spider mites by washing the plant with water, reducing humidity levels and using pesticides like neem oil.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests, especially on indoor Oxalis. They are white, fluffy insects that suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing. You can manage mealybugs by washing the plant with soapy water, using rubbing alcohol, or spraying insecticides.
Overall, Oxalis stokoei Weintroub can be a rewarding plant to grow with proper care. Monitor the plant for signs of diseases and pests and take appropriate measures to manage them early. With healthy growing conditions and timely management, your plant will thrive and grow healthily.
