Oxalis incarnata aka Lilac Oxalis

Taxonomy

Oxalis incarnata, also known as pale pink-sorrel and crimson woodsorrel, is a flowering plant in the woodsorrel family. It is native to southern Africa but is also found on other continents as an introduced species, often the descendant of garden escapees. This perennial herb grows from a system of rhizomes and bulbs, with a branching, hairless stem that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. Small bulblets may be located along the stem above ground. The leaves are borne on long petioles in erect bunches, with each leaf made up of three leaflets. The solitary flower arises on a peduncle and has five white to light pink petals. It is grown and kept as an ornamental plant and can be a rare houseplant known as Crimson Woodsorrel, which requires regular watering and direct light. It thrives in soil that is well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Lilac Oxalis, Pale Pink Sorrel, Pale Flower Oxalis

How to care for Lilac Oxalis

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lilac Oxalis, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Lilac Oxalis should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lilac Oxalis loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lilac Oxalis thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Pale Flower Oxalis.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Lilac Oxalis plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Lilac Oxalis does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Lilac Oxalis is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Lilac Oxalis’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia