Common wood sorrel
Oxalis stricta · Oxalidaceae
📷 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant common wood sorrel: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (yellow flowers)
- Mature size
- 15–30 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (freezes below 0 °C)
- Origin
- South America (Brazil)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, slightly acidic
- Light
- Part shade to light shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during growth. Reduce watering in winter if the plant slows down. Use lukewarm water preferably and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Light exposure
Oxalis grows best in part shade or partial shade. Too much direct sun can burn the delicate leaves and fade their colour. Indoors, a bright spot without direct sunlight is ideal.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage a bushy, compact habit. Remove yellow or damaged leaves. In late winter, you can cut the plant back lightly to rejuvenate it.
Soil and substrate
Use light, well-draining potting soil mixed with a little sand or perlite. Oxalis prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer). Reduce fertilizing in autumn and winter. Too much fertilizer can reduce flowering in favour of foliage.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for spider mites and whiteflies, particularly in heated indoor culture. Excess humidity promotes rot and mildew. Ventilate well and clean the foliage occasionally to prevent infestations.
Did you know?
Oxalis is renowned for its leaves that fold up at night, a phenomenon called "sleep of plants" (nyctinasty). This little herb naturally contains oxalic acid, which gives its leaves a slightly tart taste, but it has naturalized itself in many temperate regions as a discreet companion plant.
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
- Oxalis perennansOxalis perennans
- Pink sorrelOxalis articulata
- Oxalis debilisOxalis debilis
- Slender yellow woodsorrelOxalis dillenii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.