How to Propagate Oxalis
The oxalis is an easy-to-grow houseplant that has clover-like green or purple leaves and blossoms in white, pink, red or yellow. Oxalis is native to South Africa and South America and is also called wood sorrel or shamrock plant because of the shape of the leaves. Propagate the oxalis plant by dividing the plant corms after the dormant season.
Move the oxalis plant to a cool, dry location after blooming when the plant begins to die back. The plant will go into a dormant stage for one to three months. The purple-leaf variety will come out of dormancy after one month.
Remove the plant from the growing container to divide the corms as soon as new growth appears. Gently separate the root corms by pulling them apart to create new plants.
- The oxalis is an easy-to-grow houseplant that has clover-like green or purple leaves and blossoms in white, pink, red or yellow.
- Move the oxalis plant to a cool, dry location after blooming when the plant begins to die back.
Plant the divided corms in growing containers with drainage holes. Fill the container with sterile potting soil that is airy for good drainage. Make sure the bulb is covered with soil equal to two times the height of the bulb.
Water the plants well with warm water after planting to stimulate new growth. Water the plants once the top layer of soil becomes dry to the touch.
Fertilize the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer and move it to a sunny location to continue plant growth. Continue to fertilize every two weeks during the growth period of the plant.
- Plant the divided corms in growing containers with drainage holes.
- Fill the container with sterile potting soil that is airy for good drainage.
Tip
Oxalis plants are outdoor growing hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 6 through 10 where the winters are not extreme. The plants can be placed outdoors during the summer season in most locations. A tall, lanky plant is either getting too much heat or not enough light. A yellowing plant is being watered too much. Monitor oxalis plants as they are prone to an infestation of aphids. Isolate the plant if aphids are present and wash the leaves with water to remove them. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap if the aphids return.
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Tips
- Oxalis plants are outdoor growing hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 6 through 10 where the winters are not extreme. The plants can be placed outdoors during the summer season in most locations.
- A tall, lanky plant is either getting too much heat or not enough light. A yellowing plant is being watered too much.
- Monitor oxalis plants as they are prone to an infestation of aphids. Isolate the plant if aphids are present and wash the leaves with water to remove them. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap if the aphids return.
Writer Bio
Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
