Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Oxalis corniculata or Creeping woodsorrel

The genus Oxalis, family Oxalidaceae, comprises 600 species of herbaceous plants native to temperate and warm regions of almost all continents. Some species are: Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis bowiei, Oxalis articulata, Oxalis pes-caprae, Oxalis triangularis, Oxalis purpurea, Oxalis flava, Oxalis acetosella, Oxalis gigantea, Oxalis rosea.

Common names: Creeping woodsorrel, Procumbent yellow sorrel, Sleeping beauty. The exact origin of this species is not known but it is distributed in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

They are rhizomatous herbaceous plants with a creeping or hanging bearing and reddish stems that reach 1 meter (39.37") in length. The leaves have 3 dark green or purple heart-shaped leaflets. The small yellow flowers contrast with the dark foliage. They can bloom all year round.

These easy-to-grow, fast-growing plants are used in hanging pots, in patio and deck planters, and in gardens as cover plants.

Oxalis corniculata needs full or very well lit exposure. Do not expose them to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

They prefer a sandy soil that contains organic matter or a well-drained garden substrate.

They appreciate regular watering in spring, autumn and winter, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. In summer reduce watering because they go to rest.

Fertilize in the fall with compost or slow-release fertilizer.

They do not need pruning but their expansion must be controlled because they can become invasive plants.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by division of the rhizome.

Images of the plant Oxalis corniculata or Creeping woodsorrel