My grandmother always grew oxalis, but she never really had enough light, and they got spindly and sad-looking. She loved them anyway.

There was a sign at the garden shop warning that too much water would make them leggy.

This particular oxalis is definitely in need of repotting, because it's fairly large for its pot size, and it dries out quickly. But...

- Should I wait for it to stop blooming before repotting it?

- Should I divide it as I repot, since it seems to have a fair number of bulbs in a small area? Or just put it in a bigger pot?

- How often and for how long should I expect it to bloom?

- What else should I do to care for it in the long term?

Thanks,
Linda

Thanks for the info.

Linda

It's just an awful lot of bulbs in a fairly small pot. They're packed in, and the natural angle of the stems creates a plant that's at least twice the diameter of the pot.

I believe that the drying out is due to an awfully low soil-to-plant ratio. I should probably move it up to a bigger pot before summer, when the drying out will undoubtedly be worse.

They were weird, because they would seem to die off, I would water and they would come back alive. They didn't come back this time. I love these plants. I too believe the tighter the plant is the more it blooms. I have a purple one this time, and a green one (big clover leaves).
Lots of flowers on them.

These plants don't like a lot of fertilizer either. Keep the soil evenly moist- not wet and not dry. They hate dryness.

I was wondering if anyone knows if the windiness of the stems is a sign of unhealthiness and if I should wait to split it until it is healthier.

If that windiness is fine then what is the best way to split one of these plants? Thanks!

-matt

Leira, what species do you have? Some are perennials in your zone. I have both Strawberry Oxalis (Oxalis crassipes 'Rosea') and White Oxalis (Oxalis crassipes 'Alba')...both are perennial and don't do as well indoors as the Oxalis regnellii varieties.

If so, they will go dormant if you transplant them, or if they decided that it is winter....mine have not undergone a complete "dormancy period" unless I have recently transplanted them.

I move all of my tender Oxalis outdoors in the spring to the north side of the house. They do great there...so full and happy. When I bring them in, they get a bit leggy since I have no room in the sunny windows for them.

If you want to rejuvinate them, just dig them up and repot them. Any foliage that was there will die off and soon they will send fresh foliage out.

Once, I almost killed this plant (had it mixed in with my Oxalis regnellii) because the pot stopped releasing water.
They nearly rotted...had to perform an emergency transplant... :o)

The Oxalis crassipes can stay outside year round in my zone...but, along the same lines, the Oxalis regnellii do appreciate some outdoor time in the warm months (so they can have a warm cycle). I think I will let the frost force mine into dormancy next year...will probably be good for them.

Be sure to let whoever is getting them to not water very much while they are not in a foliage state.

About how long does it does it take for the stems and leaves to recover from the trauma?

I am not sure what zone you are in, but if they are in a very well draining pot, they will spring back to life once you place them outdoors in a shady location. It might take a few weeks...have patience.

Since then I have potted them together in one large pot. I keep it outside for the summer (May 15 until October 15). At the end of each season (Winter and Summer) I cut the plant down to the soil level and let it rest for a few weeks. Buy the end of the second week it begins to come back and within 4 weeks it is in full regalia again. I have split off several of the bulb like risomes at each season's end and have started new pots for family and friends with great success.

I situate the plant to get morning light, give it normal watering and feed it once a month with Peter's house plant food.

Try combining the two colors (purple and green) The green has pure white flowers and the purple has white flowers with a purple cast.

In my experience, this plant is indestructible but needs to be cut back twice each year.

Hope this helps.

-ming

I received a beautiful, full, healthy plant in May that got too dry at one point, losing plenty of leaves, recovered somewhat but has never gone back to being nearly as full as it was when I got it. I don't think I overwater it and it hasn't dried out quite as badly since that one incident. I did top up the soil at the end of the summer but that didn't seem to help. It is sprouting very few new leaves now and hopefully this means it's coming out of it's dormant period. Flowers have stopped coming up in the past 2 weeks or so. Does this make sense? Is there anything I should expect or do differently?

Thanks for such a helpful thread!

After it blooms, when/if it starts to die back, let it go dry/dormant for 3-4 months before repeating the process.

Al

1 part bark, 1 part turface, and 1 part granite grit.

Idea's on where to find the supplies.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg041917144346.html

Here is a link also that will explain what I use.

Mike...

Al

I live in CA zone 9 and purchased a bag of 50 Oxalis Triangularis and Regnelli corms from easytogrowbulbs.com. I wanted to use them as a ground cover in my front and back yard. I planted them all in January because the website said to put them in the ground right away. I potted a few indoors at the same time.

The Oxalis I potted indoors sprouted within a few weeks under a South facing window. Their only problem is that I think they are leggy. The leaves are about 2-3 inches across when open (they look normal) but they are about 5-6 inches tall. I'm not sure if that is normal. They certainly don't look full and short like the ones in the nursery this time of year. Fearing they were not getting enough light, I added a "grow light" (Exo-terra Repti Glo 2.0). So far it's been a week and I can't tell if this is helping or not. My indoor temperatures are 66 at night 70 in the day.

The ones I planted outdoors haven't done a thing. I noticed this week (3/23/11) that there are one-two 1/2 inch leaves popping up in my front yard where I planted the Regnelli corms but they look like slug food. The backyard Oxalis don't even show signs of growth. The only main difference between the front and the back is that the backyard soil drains slower. I used redwood bark to cover my landscape front and back, not very thick, just so I don't have exposed ground. Not sure if this is affecting the growth of my Oxalis (ie, keeping the ground too moist). Outdoor temperatures are from low 40s at night to mid 60's during the day and we get frequent rain off and on.

I did put a few corms in a pot outdoors in the front. Those look about the size of the ones in the ground in the front, about 1/2 inch wide but don't have any height. Just enough clearance for the leaves to close. No signs of slugs here.

I researched a natural way to rid slugs and found coffee grounds work. Applied it this week so it's too soon to tell if it's effective.

Now that you have an idea of what's happening, anything stand out? I was hoping for a nice bushy ground cover... Still, I'm happy to see some growth.

Rabbit. You said your Oxalis looks spindly...How many corms did you use, and what diameter is the pot?

My Oxalis was started from 1 corm. It was potted in a 2" semi-shallow container. As time passed, corms multipied. As they multiplied, I increased pot sizes. Wider/Shallow containers.

Corms/roots tend to spread.
Can you add more corms in the pot?

Oxalis needs very bright light. If in harsh, direct sun, leaves might burn...Daily watering would probably be needed, depending on soil and temp.

Two things I discovered about Oxalis. Despite time of year, if soil dries too much, especially for prolonged periods, Oxalis thinks it's going dormant. Leaves and stems limp. However, once watered leaves regrow.

A little Bone Meal should be mixed in soil before adding corms. I use Fish Emulsion during growing season. Toni

On cloudy days and/or nights, leaves close, similar to Maranta/Prayer Plants, 'these two plants are not related.' Once leaves close, don't water or fertilize.

Al

I planted four 3/4 inch corms in a 4 inch pot.

The soil in the pot is moist but not water logged. In fact, I noticed a white layer of salt buildup because it's new potting medium so I leached the pot making sure it drained well afterwards. No burning on the leaf edges even under the light. I might just be expecting more growth than what the plant can put out at the moment. I do see new leaves emerging at the base and it appears the newer they are, the less height they have. Probably the first ones that emerged reached for the sun and now that more are filling in it will take better shape.

I fertilize all my indoor and outdoor plants with homemade worm tea only. I used spent coffee grounds mixed with water for a potted azalea and potted blueberries to acidify the soil and recently around the Oxalis to deter slugs.

As far as the backyard, we had heavy rains this week and I noticed standing water near the row where I planted the Oxalis. It doesn't stay around for long, maybe 1/2 a day after the rains stop. Perhaps they rotted out or just waiting for the weather to warm up. If they rot, I'll use corms from any surviving mounds in my pot or front yard to replace them.

Do you suggest I add bone meal and fish emulsion to my arsenal?

Outside I'm mainly growing Dwarf Citrus, Avocado, Pomegranate, Blueberries, Herbs, Day Lilies, Various Spring Bulbs (Tulips, Freessia, Amaryllis, Iris, Asiatics Lilies, Cannas, Blazing Stars and Gladioli), Sunflowers, Dahlias, African Iris, African Daisy, Rose of Sharon Hibiscus, Oleanders, Wisteria and Oxalis.

Note: It's my first year with all of these as they all went into the ground either this fall or this spring. Only the Oleanders, Wisteria and African Iris were established plants.

I too think it's just way to chilly still for them to sprout outside. Be careful not to water log them right now.

Why shouldn't you water Oxalis when the leaves are closed? I've done plenty of research on them in the past and have not come across anything suggesting that.

And having grown them, and have them now, I've never had a problem with watering when leaves are closed. Mine are sending up new stems every day and doing beautiful. I water when the soil says too, not by the leaves.

JoJo

You want me to be honest? I think you're trying to rush Oxalis growth. lol..
They're young. Like bulbs, the first year, plants look a little bare, but as they multiply, foliage fills out.
Same with corms, before you know it, you'll be repotting in a bigger container.

One thing I like about Oxalis; they're fast-growers. If kept warm, (not hot) and in a bright window/lights, they're evergreen.
This winter, 'the first in years,' I allowed my Ox to go into full dormancy. In other words, all leaves died back. Now that days are longer, new growth has started.

Actually, Bone Meal should be mixed with soil before bulbs/corms are set in place.
Worm Tea..yummy..It might be tasty for plants, but I'd have to pass as a bedtime herbal drink. lol.

I've never heard of Worm Tea, so prefer not to give advice adding other fertilizers.
Fish Emulsion is an organic fertilizer, doesn't burn roots/leaves, and high in Nitrogen.
I doubt using both Tea and FE would over-fertilize, but since I'm unfamiliar with the strength of this tea, don't want to suggest using both.

What is Worm Tea? 'Do I really want to know?' lol, J/K. Is it organic or chemical?

Wish I had an answer why your Ox's aren't growing out back. Purple Oxalis is hardy to zones 6 and up. I'm in z5, so my Ox's are container grown.

Give corms more time before assuming they rotted. Was it warm or cold when you had rain storms?

Nice talking to you..Good luck, Toni

I guess you didn't see it. I'm real interested in knowing more about that. Why is it you don't water when the leaves are closed?

JoJo

My citrus trees came from Four Winds Growers and they came in 5 gallon containers (Purchased from Orchard Supply Hardware). I can't tell how old they are but I know they are old enough to produce. I planted them in the ground in September to get an early start on establishing them for this years growth cycle. Right now they are all showing signs of new growth so I am quite pleased. My Meyer Lemon and the Blueberries are the only ones setting bloom right now. The Pomegranate is breaking dormancy. I'm read the Meyer is capable of fruiting all year round. The local nursery recommends I pinch off fruit during the first year to help establish a healthy root system. I'm sure I'll allow some fruit this year, just not an abundance.

I think you are right in that I need to be more patient with my Ox. Local weather is reporting high 50s on rainy days dropping to low 40s at night.

As far as worm tea goes, it's a really fun project:

Start with a plastic tote container that is opaque so it stays nice and dark inside. I drilled holes all around it to allow air circulation and on the bottom to allow drainage. I placed this inside another opaque tote of the same size with only holes on the sides (this was to catch any liquid but still allow air circulation). Fill the bin half way with moistened shredded paper. Go to your local pet shop or fish supply shop and ask for red wrigglers or red worms (it cannot be any other type of worm). I started with about 200. Then start adding your finely chopped kitchen scraps, spent flowers, or plant trimmings to the bin (no protein or fat) and top them with more moistened shredded paper (this prevents the compost from smelling like rotted food). Stay away from acidic foods like onions, citrus and tomatoes. You can even dump your occasional spent coffee grounds or cooked pulverized egg shell or a handful of sand would work too. This helps the gizzard in the worm with digesting food. The worms will eat your kitchen scraps and leave you with organic worm castings. You can use the castings as is when potting new plants or make a compost tea. Once the compost is established, get into the habit of feeding on one side and harvesting on the other, then alternate. Keep the paper moist but not soggy or you'll drown your worms. I store my bin in the garage year round but I've heard people using smaller containers and keeping their bins under their sinks. No problems with ants, rodents or other pests as long as I keep a layer of moistened paper on the top. One time I composted a pumpkin and opened the bin to find dozens of sprouting pumpkin seeds all straining for light! haha.

Here's a link on making the tea (Super easy!):
http://www.organic-raised-bed-gardening.com/worm-tea.html

My houseplants THRIVE on the stuff! I've been using it for about a year and have saved a lot of money not having to buy chemicals or potting soil. I don't even repot my plants, I just root prune because the worm compost adds all the nutrients back into spent soil. I read worm compost will also reverse the damaging effects of chemically treated soil over time. I've noticed the population of earthworms in my backyard increase the more I use worm compost tea. If you're not doing it now... I highly recommend you start! Good luck!

Since the basics of science and physics tell us that growing in the ground is very different than growing within containers, and keeping in mind some of those differences, nature would automatically compensate for any overages or deficiencies in the garden... but what about in containers? The same ecosystem is not present, and not easily maintained.

Isn't it true that regular leaching of containerized plants negates any chemical salt build ups? Isn't it also true that a medium with the properties to drain freely and allow for the necessary exchange of gases and oxygen to and from the root zone can be copiously watered every time moisture is needed, thereby allowing excess salts to exit contained within the effluent?

At a cost of about $3, as I recall, I consider a bottle of Miracle Gro liquid to be a good investment... especially since that one bottle lasts me about 2 years, and can be used on every plant type I grow. I know exactly which nutrients it contains, and in what percentages, and this helps me determine which micro-nutrients I need to add, which are also very affordable and cost effective. So, that's two products used that cover all nutritional needs at a very fair price. Not only do I save money, I also know exactly what my plants are receiving, nutritionally speaking.

The Oxalis I have doesn't seem to mind being watered when the leaves are open or closed, as long as I water it when needed, and allow it to rest as needed. Like any other bulbed or cormed plant, the Oxalis requires a dormancy, or rest period, as part of its annual growth and bud setting cycle.

I grow a green version, but I've never associated it with Oxalis, so I'm late to the party!

My grows in-ground, amongst Dryopteris ferns in the shade of an Incense Cedar (Calocedrus).
I'm in a microclimate, right on the cusp of zone 7b/8b, and for most of the Winter,
my plant doesn't show any leaves. There are a few now, but the leaves ain't pretty ;-)

It gets cold and water-soaked in the Winter, and hot and dry in the Summer, so I'd guess
it's a fairly tolerant plant.

Josh

I run into the limitation of having a partner with a ZERO petroleum policy who refuses to allow me to use chemicals on plants indoors or out. I tried sneaking a few doses of Miracle Gro when we first moved in and he went absolutely bonkers when he found the package. Same goes for insecticides. That's also why I had to research natural ways to kill slugs (containers full of beer work the best).

Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that organic methods don't translate very well to container growing, and are much more efficient and workable when utilized in the gardens. That being said, I approach container growing from a more inorganic angle, which makes logical sense considering the vast differences between the two types of gardening.

Today's chemical fertilizers are manufactured using various processes, but I think it's incorrect to say that they are petroleum based. Modern synthetic fertilizers are composed mainly of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium compounds with secondary nutrients added.

Many different substances are used to provide the essential nutrients needed for an effective fertilizer. These compounds can be mined or isolated from naturally occurring sources. Examples include sodium nitrate, seaweed, bones, guano, potash, and phosphate rock. Compounds can also be chemically synthesized from basic raw materials. These would include such things as ammonia, urea, nitric acid, and ammonium phosphate.

The production of synthesized fertilizers is regulated by the government in the United States, so analysis tests are run on samples quite consistently by quality control departments to determine total content of each component.

While some of the elements are man made, or synthesized, they are not petroleum based. They are the same basic nutrients found organically... they are simply manufactured to various specifications in a controlled environment.

When it comes to feeding my plants in containers, I don't want to guess at how much Nitrogen or how much Calcium or Magnesium I'm feeding. I'd like to be certain I'm not depriving my plants of any nutrient they need, nor do I want to add too much of a nutrient to the medium, which can be just as harmful as a deficiency.

The best way I've found to ensure that my plants are getting the proper nutrients in the proper amounts is to utilize a synthesized fertilizer that has been specifically manufactured to serve the particular purpose.

Fertilizing and insect control are two separate issues. A grower can certainly use natural methods to keep potted plants free of insects, though I prefer to approach this from an inorganic angle, too. Some of my plants are too difficult to replace, so I don't take any chances.

Thanks for the great information! :) Don't think it will fly with my partner, but it is helpful for other gardeners.

The choice is always up to the individual, of course, but having a wider array of valid information helps us to make better, more informed choices. :-)

Rabbit. Ah, I'm familiar with Worm Tea, under a different name.
I talk to a few people who keep/breed worms, use the castings, and yes, they keep their bin worms indoors..lol.
They swear by this tea.

I've thought about it, but my house is so cluttered, I simply don't have room for a worm home, lol.

I don't blame your S/O keeping your home chemical free. When I see that Fabreze commercial, a woman spraying her veggin bin in the fridge, or their couch, I get goose bumps.
I'm not saying I'm completely chemical free..some fertilizers are chemical, but I also use Fish Emulsion, but NO chemical insecticides.

I live in IL so my citrus are potted, over-wintered indoors and summered outside..It's true, Meyer's bloom/fruit year round. Same with Ponderosa Lemons. Manderin Orange and Kumquats fruit most of the year, if you ever plan on adding more citrus, and prefer long fruiting seasons. Toni

Al

The only thing close I found was info stating not to assume they need water because they are closed.

Water when soil is dry. Drench and let it run out. Not to water when dormant.

I did find plenty to support what Al suggested and that's part of why I got to looking around. They close due to reactions to light, weather it be too much or too little.

Mine close during the brightest part of the day. They are sensitive to our intense sun, so I need to move them to dappled shade.

Thanks Al~

I water mine when they need it, regardless of what the leaves are doing and they just put out a bunch of little ones! It's doing great. Actually they were watered just minutes before taking these pictures.

JoJo

One author compares the closing of leaves to a human napping/sleeping. We don't eat or drink while asleep, the same applies to plants.

I find it fascinating how some plants are similar to people. Ever see a leaf jerk? Calatheas and their relatives do this every so often.
The first time it happened, I thought an animal was hiding out in my plant..lol..Movement has something to do with a plants nerves.

It's often suggested that we don't water our outdoor plants late in the day or in the evening because we know that spraying water on foliage can provide the favorable incubation period required for a number of harmful fungal leaf diseases to get established that couldn't otherwise take hold, but that is something entirely separate from the authors suggestion not to water houseplants at night.

Al

It's written in numerous plant books, not one. This information can also be found on Google.

I admit, I water certain plants at night, but those that fold leaves and succulents, get a drink in early morning or afternoon, never at night.
Succulents, 'kept in cool rooms,' will rot.

I had two healthy plants. A Pachypodium and Cycad, Sago Palm. The soil was dry..both were in cool rooms. I knew I should have waited, but didn't.
The next day, both plants were dead..This happened at different times. The Pachy, 12" +, folded over..the Sago's trunk was mushy soft.
Commercial green house growers, keep sprayers running throughout the day. At night, they're turned off. Timers are set to go off 15-30 minutes depending on the green house. (for tropicals, not succulents)

Ask any nursery owner why this is done. It isn't for econical reasons..

Once again, outdoor grown plants opposed to indoor plants, are like talking apples and oranges. There IS a difference. Toni

Al

If I split the corms and repot it into two separate plants, will my original plant eventually return to its current size? I saw one posting referring to corms multiplying over time.

Also, I am especially hesitating to do this because I would be devastated if my original plant dies as a result. Any feedback you all could share?

Al

I have a clover bought from one of those gift stores as a novelty. I bought it for fun and didnt expect anything to be honest (i am a beginner gardener). It grew all through summer and did really well. I recently repotted it to a larger pot as it had roots growing out of its puny original pot. I discovered that out of the 2 bulbs i started with, it now has 2 tiny extra "seeds". I left them as they were.

My questions:
1) Why have they not flowered? Everyone here seems to rave about their blooms. Mine only sends out green leaves.
2) It is now freezing at night outdoors. I brought the pot inside. Is that the right thing to do? They were turning yellowish although still growing. Should I let it go dormant and will it be able to do so if indoors (about 22degrees celcius)?

Many thanks for any help!

Because it got so cold, your Oxalis went dormant. Once leaves are totally wilted, remove them. Place in a warmer, 'not hot', sunny spot. Evenutally new leaves will grow.

Are you fertilizing? If so, what type?
I can't understand why your Oxalis doesn't flower. Is get getting enough sun when outdoors?

Bright light is sufficient. Allow soil to dry between waterings. There were times I forgot to water my Oxalis..Leaves wilted a little..After a drink, leaves not only straighted out, but bloomed.

What color are the leaves? Green, purple or another color? Toni