Slender yellow woodsorrel
Oxalis dillenii · Oxalidaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant slender yellow woodsorrel: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-persistent depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (yellow flowers)
- Mature size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (prefers mild climate)
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical America
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained during the growing season, particularly in spring and summer. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant slows down. Avoid standing water, which promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Prefer bright, indirect light, ideally near an east or west-facing window. Oxalis tolerates partial shade but flowers more generously in good light. Avoid intense direct sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Soil and repotting
Use a light, well-draining substrate enriched with organic matter. A standard indoor plant potting mix works well. Repot in spring every 1 to 2 years, or when the plant fills the pot.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing period (spring-summer). Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Overly rich feeding promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly pinch back the tips to encourage a full, compact shape. Remove dead or yellowed leaves as they appear. No drastic pruning is necessary.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs in dry conditions. Root rot can occur with excess moisture. Ensure good air circulation and observe winter rest periods to prevent problems.
Did you know?
The oxalis gets its scientific name from French botanist Johann Jacob Dillenius (1684-1747). Its leaves, like those of all oxalis species, naturally contain calcium oxalate, giving them a characteristic slight acidity. This plant, native to tropical American regions, has become widely naturalized in warm areas around the world, sometimes becoming invasive in agricultural settings.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- OcaOxalis tuberosa
- Yellow sorrelOxalis corniculata
- Common wood sorrelOxalis stricta
- Oxalis perennansOxalis perennans
- Pink sorrelOxalis articulata
- Oxalis debilisOxalis debilis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.