Overview of Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a species of flowering plant from the family Oxalidaceae. It is commonly known as sticky sorrel, balsam wood sorrel, and gumboots. The plant is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia.
Appearance of Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has succulent, green leaves with a sticky texture that exudes a clear sap when broken or damaged. The leaves are heart-shaped and have three lobes, with each lobe having a small pointed tip. The flowers are yellow with five petals and have a bright, contrasting eye in the center. They bloom from spring to fall.
Uses of Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. has several uses in traditional medicine. The leaves and stems are rich in oxalic acid, which can be used to treat stomach cramps and other digestive disorders. The plant is also used to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma. In addition, the leaves can be crushed and used as a poultice to treat skin infections, burns, and insect bites.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is also used in landscaping as a groundcover or border plant. Its attractive leaves and bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden. However, the plant can become invasive, so it is important to monitor its growth carefully and take steps to control it if necessary.
Light Requirements
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. thrives well in partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant requires about 6 hours of direct or filtered sunlight to flourish.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It cannot tolerate extremely high or low temperatures.
Watering Requirements
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires a moist but well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. It is best to water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to touch.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal for Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. The application of a slow-release granular fertilizer in spring can also help promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to salt build-up and damage the plant.
Humidity Requirements
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers moderate to high humidity levels. The plant can benefit from occasional misting, especially during dry weather conditions.
Cultivation Methods of Oxalis Viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a versatile plant that can grow in different environmental conditions. It can be grown in pots or directly in the garden. It requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows best in shaded areas, and direct sunlight should be avoided.
The recommended temperature range for the plant is between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can be propagated through seeds or by division. When planting from seeds, they should be sown on the soil surface and covered lightly with soil. It takes around 10 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate. When propagated through division, the root clumps should be separated and replanted in a new location.
Watering Needs of Oxalis Viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant does not tolerate drought and requires regular watering during dry spells. The frequency of watering should be reduced during winters.
It is recommended to use a watering can rather than a hose to avoid overwatering. The plant should be watered in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation of the water and to reduce the risk of fungal growth.
Fertilization of Oxalis Viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:20:20 should be used. The fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season, which is spring and summer.
The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength and applied directly to the soil. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to burnt foliage and stunted growth.
Pruning of Oxalis Viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires minimal pruning. Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed regularly to maintain the plant's appearance and overall health. The plant can be pruned to control its growth and size, but it should be done cautiously to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth starts. A pair of gardening shears should be used to remove the unwanted parts. The pruning should be done in such a way that the remaining growth is balanced and proportional.
Propagation of Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond., commonly known as sticky wood-sorrel, is a member of the Oxalidaceae family and is native to southern Africa. Propagating Oxalis viscosa can be done through several methods.
Propagation by seeds
Propagating Oxalis viscosa can be done through seeds. When the plant has matured, it will produce seeds that can be collected and sown directly into the soil, or they can be started in small containers before being transplanted into the ground. Seeds should be planted in well-aerated soil and kept moist. Germination may take several weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Oxalis viscosa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from the mother plant, making sure there are at least two nodes present. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, well-lit area. Roots should start to form in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or outside in the garden.
Propagation by division
Dividing the plant is another way to propagate Oxalis viscosa. Wait until the plant is actively growing, and then carefully dig it up. Separate the plant into sections, making sure that each section has roots and a few leaves. Replant the sections in well-aerated soil and keep them well-watered until they are established.
Overall, Oxalis viscosa is an easy plant to propagate, and with proper care, it will quickly establish itself in the garden or container.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a type of plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae and is native to Africa. This plant is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and clover-like leaves. However, just like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. The symptoms of this disease include small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually spread and merge, leading to rotting of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry and avoid overhead watering. It is also advisable to remove and destroy any infected leaves as soon as the symptoms appear.
Root rot is another disease that affects this plant. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and an overall decline in the plant's health. This disease is caused mainly by overwatering and poor drainage. To manage this disease, ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant is not overwatered.
Pests
Aphids are common pests that can attack Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, leading to curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with water to dislodge the insects.
Spider mites are another common pest that can attack this plant. These pests are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with water or use insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies are also pests that can attack Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond. These insects cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves by destroying the sap. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or sticky traps to control their population.
By practicing good plant care habits such as maintaining proper soil moisture and keeping the plant clean, you can prevent and manage diseases and pests that might affect Oxalis viscosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
