Oxalis (oxalis): what is, types, planting and care

Oxalis is a beautiful plant and is the favorite of many flower growers and summer residents. The plant grows equally well both in the garden and on the windowsill, and is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and good resistance to diseases.

Oxalis, or oxalis, owes its name to the sour taste of the leaves, which are quite edible and contain a large amount of vitamin C and oxalic acid. The plant is a representative of the acid family (Latin Oxalidaceae) and grows on all continents of the globe. Most domestic species are breeding resultwhere tropical species were used as parents. There are flowers of European origin, but they have one serious drawback: for the winter, such species completely shed their foliage, which significantly reduces their overall decorative effect.

Oxalis belongs to herbaceous plants and has more than 800 species. Among them, there are both annual and perennial species, which are distributed in Central and South America and South Africa. On the European continent, you can find many species that grow like weeds. The most common of them received popular names and became better known, such as "hare cabbage" or "clover of happiness". In the description of American species, the names "sheep sorrel" and "Indian lemonade" are often mentioned, and in Russia the plant is called "sorrel".

In its natural environment, the flower grows in dense bushes-colonies, consisting of several dozen individual plants, the height of which varies from 15 to 30, less often 40 cm.Most of the bushes are characterized by a stemless structure and consist of a small size of bulbs and an aerial green part, represented by long-stemmed leaves , assembled in 4-20 pieces. For the unusual folding shape of the leaf plates, acid is often called a butterfly. The sour leaf consists of 3-4, less often 5, 6 and 9 lobes, which fold like an umbrella in case of strong wind, precipitation, rough touch, or simply with the onset of darkness.

As soon as external factors cease to be aggressive, the leaf blades open... In its shape, the leaves of sour cherry are somewhat reminiscent of clover leaves, and in color they are dark green, purple-lilac and chocolate. Moreover, the latter have a lighter back side, covered with dove-gray drag.

The leaves of most species are very pleasant to the touch, and due to the light edge they seem velvety. However, not all varieties of sour cherry are bush-shaped: there are plants with shortened and creeping shoots, which have ordinary rhizomes and tuberous thickenings instead of bulbs. Many species that form tubers tolerate the cold season well and winter safely under snow in mid-latitudes.

The fruits of the plant are presented in the form of large seed pods with an elongated shape and green valves. Inside, small teardrop-shaped seeds are hidden, covered with a thick skin. The top layer of the skin is saturated with a large amount of sugars, which attracts ants. It is the ants that carry seeds over long distances, thereby contributing to the rapid spread of the plant throughout the territory. Moreover, overripe capsules can literally "explode" at the slightest touch and shoot seeds in different directions. In this regard, it is sometimes difficult to stop the excessive growth of sourwood: the plant "goes" outside the garden and grows there like a weed.

The flowers of the sorrel are quite small and are present in large quantities. They, just like the leaves, cannot stand darkness, wind and rough touches and instantly close. The flowers of the sorrel are bisexual, which is why the process of pollination can occur both by the type of self-pollination and with the help of insects. The plant begins to bloom in late May - early June, and, depending on the species, blooms from 1 to 9 months. The peduncle grows from the leaf sinuses and has one or more buds.

The corolla has regular shapes and includes 5 fused petals, each of which has a rounded edge bent outward. In the central part of the flower there are 5-10 filamentous stamens, among which there is one single ovary. The color of flowers can be lilac, yellow, pinkish, bright red, white and cream, sometimes with small inclusions of purple or pink.

The scope of using acid for decorative purposes is wide enough. The flower is planted as a ground cover or curb plant in winter gardens, on balconies and window sills, and is also used in the landscape design of personal plots, including when creating alpine slides.

Oxalis is a popular indoor and garden plant and fascinates with its variety of colors and shapes. Below are the most popular species that are most often mentioned on horticultural forums and have high decorative characteristics.

Common oxalis (Latin Oxalis acetosella) is a local European species with white or pink-lilac flowers and light green three-lobed foliage. This forest plant is widespread in Siberia and the Far East, as well as in the central regions of the country. The flower loves shaded areas and prefers to settle along the banks of rivers and streams. It is often found in coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, as well as in ravines and swampy areas.

The species is perennial and is rather unpretentious. The plant blooms in May and June, the flowers are small, solitary, white with purple veins, up to 3 mm in diameter.

The sour juice has a pronounced antiseptic and wound healing effect. However, when consuming fresh acid sour, you need to be careful, since in large doses, the plant is poisonous. So, when grazing animals on oxalis fields, deaths were observed, in particular, in sheep.

In the old days, acid was used as an antidote for poisoning with dangerous substances such as arsenic and mercury. The flower is also a good honey plant, however, it cannot please with too much honey.

Four-leafed oxalis (Latin Oxalis tetraphylla) it owes its name to four-lobed leaves, while most members of the family have three lobes. The species is also known as Oxalis deppei, named after the German scientist Ferdinand Depp, who discovered it in Mexico.

Both names are relevant and are actively used both in special literature and in the flower and seed industry. In English-speaking countries, the species has two more popular names: "iron cross" and "lucky clover". The natural habitat of the plant is Panama and Mexico, while it is cultivated in very many countries of the world.

This species belongs to perennials and reproduces with the help of seeds and daughter bulbs. The latter, by the way, are quite edible and can be used for food. The plant is distinguished by beautiful reddish-pink flowers with wide, rounded petals. The flower grows no higher than 15 cm, and thanks to the long and abundant flowering, which lasts from June to September, it is often used as a garden and home plant.

Tuberous oxalis (Latin Oxalis tuberosa) does not refer to ornamental crops, but rather to agricultural crops. The homeland of the species is South America, where it is ubiquitously grown for the sake of useful starchy tubers, which, in their nutritional properties and taste, can compete with potatoes. The plant is a low-growing bushes with trifoliate leaves and single flowers. The tubers of the culture have a stem origin, which is why they are covered with large scales on top.

The percentage of starch in tubers is quite high and, depending on the variety, ranges from 22 to 25%. The culture was widely spread in the highlands of Colombia, as well as in Chile, Bolivia and Peru. The species is represented by many varieties, differing in the size and color of the tubers, which can be pure white, yellow, pinkish and purple in color. Fresh tubers are fried, boiled and baked, and also used to prepare various dishes. Storage is carried out only in dried form.

Oxalis versicolor (Latin Oxalis versicolor), also known as variegated, it has a very beautiful flowering. The pure white petals are edged with a bright red stripe, and the appearance of the unopened buds resembles the shape of a lollipop. For this similarity, the species received another name - "caramel flower".

A distinctive feature of the plant is its ability to bloom throughout the year. Flowers, like many other species of the family, react sharply to light, and after sunset they curl up in a spiral and close. The plant belongs to the category of undersized species and can only grow up to 15 cm.

Carob oxalis (lat.Oxalis.corniculata) is a weedy species and often penetrates into the territory of the site against the wishes of the owners. The plant has beautiful cherry-brown leaves and small yellow flowers. Aerial shoots are prone to rapid growth and during the season are able to fill not only flower beds, but also vegetable beds. The best option for placing the species will be hanging pots, in which the plant takes the shape of a ball and looks very impressive. Flower petals are closed at night, and the leaf blades are folded.

The plant is quite frost-resistant and is able to endure winter without shelter, however, experienced gardeners still recommend bringing it to the veranda or balcony.In cool conditions at a temperature of 10-12 degrees, it winters well and with the beginning of spring it will quickly grow.

Red oxalis (Latin Oxalis rubra) is a houseplant with three-lobed leaves and small yellow flowers growing on thin translucent stems. The plant is quite tall - adults often grow up to 40 cm. The flower is often planted in flower boxes, which are displayed on balconies or courtyards. During the flowering period, the plants form one fluffy bright red cap, which looks very elegant and stands out noticeably against the background of other plants.

Oxalis bowiei is an excellent decoration for balconies, window sills and areas. The species is perennial, characterized by long and abundant flowering and grows up to 30 cm.Due to the fact that the tuberous bulb, which has a diameter of 2 cm, is capable of producing up to 20 leaves, the bushes are very thick and look good in the flower bed. Peduncles reach large enough sizes, which, in combination with dense foliage, makes the flower unusually lush and beautiful.

Spiral oxalis (Latin Oxalis spiralis) is a very beautiful perennial species. Squat shoots of the plant with numerous three-lobed leaves form a voluminous dense pillow of dark color. The flower grows quickly and literally covers the ground by the middle of summer. Small yellow flowers, scattered over the “veil” and effectively shading dark juicy greens, give a bright contrast.

Before proceeding with planting or transplanting acid, it is necessary to properly prepare the soil. The plant likes normal and slightly acidic soils, enriched with compost or peat. In such cases, you can use both a ready-made commercial substrate for bulbous plants, and prepare the mixture yourself. For this, the leaf land is mixed with turf, peat, humus and river sand in equal parts, after which it is thoroughly cleaned of fine debris and vegetation residues. Then the substrate is poured onto a baking sheet and sent to the oven for calcination.

Disinfection is carried out for 20 minutes at a temperature of 220 degrees.

After the potting mix has been prepared, you can start planting. The process is quite simple and looks like this: drainage is laid on the bottom of a pot or flower box, which is used as expanded clay or small river pebbles. Pour the prepared substrate on top and start planting the bulbs.

Plants are transplanted annually, due to the rapid growth of the bushes. The best time to do this is second half of spring - the period when the flower enters the stage of active vegetation. In order to transplant a plant, you need to take a pot 2-3 cm larger than the previous one and lay on its bottom drainage from gravel or expanded clay. The thickness of the drainage layer should not be less than 2.5 cm, otherwise the liquid will accumulate in the substrate and cause rotting of the roots. Next, you should prepare a new mixture consisting of turf, peat, sand and leaf humus, and ignite it in the oven.

Then the plant, which is in an old pot, is well watered and waiting for uniform moisture in the soil, after which it is carefully removed from the container and the earth is shaken off from the roots. Then the roots are thoroughly washed, suspicious processes are removed and dried a little. Next, the bush is placed in a moistened substrate of a new pot, the roots are sprinkled with the same mixture and lightly tamped.

The cultivation of sour cherry does not cause any difficulties and consists in creating a comfortable temperature, humidity and illumination, as well as in timely watering, feeding and pruning the bushes.

In relation to light, oxalis is very demanding. The plant is sun-dependent and cannot be in the shade for a long time. However, it is not worth placing the flower in direct midday rays. The delicate leaves of the sorrel quickly get burned, and the flowering becomes very fleeting. The best option for the plant would be morning and evening sun, as well as ambient lighting during the day. If possible, then it is better to place the flower on the eastern window, but if the apartment faces west or south, then the plants should be placed not on the windowsill itself, but not far from the window.

When moving the flower away from the window, it is necessary to observe its reaction. So, if the oxalis begins to fold the leaves during the day, then the plant clearly does not have enough light and should be moved to the window. In winter, plants, on the contrary, are placed on the southern window, and in conditions of short day lengths, additional illumination is turned on.

Kislitsa does not require the creation of any special temperature conditions and feels great at room temperature from 22 to 25 degrees. In hotter conditions, the development of a flower is accelerated, it quickly fades and loses any decorative effect. Winter air temperature is lowered, especially for plants shedding foliage, for example, for Depp's acid. The optimal temperature regime for this species is 8-12 degrees, in which the plant must be in a dormant period (at least 6 weeks). Then the flower is transferred to a warmer room and the leaves are expected to appear.

The rest of the species, which do not shed their foliage for the winter, can winter at a more comfortable 16-18 degrees. In the summer, if the temperature in the apartment rises significantly, then oxalis is transferred to the street in the shade or planted in open ground.

Kislitsa needs frequent and abundant watering, however, excessive waterlogging should not be allowed. Water the plant as soon as the top layer of the substrate dries. It is also necessary to monitor the water in the sump and not let it stagnate there. In the winter months, for plants dropping foliage, watering is stopped for the entire dormant period, the rest of the species are watered half as much as in summer. However, you should switch to winter watering gradually, gradually increasing the intervals between procedures.

In the warm season, domestic species feel great with air humidity 50-60% and do not need humidifiers. To maintain an optimal balance, the plant is quite enough periodic spraying, which is carried out in the spring and summer months. In winter, the air in the premises becomes drier, which is associated with the drying effect of heating radiators.

Oxalis is fed throughout the growing season, namely during the flowering period and in the phase of active growth (from April to August). Top dressing is carried out every 3 weeksusing for this any mineral complex diluted in 1/2 of the recommended volume.

Oxalis does not need to form bushes, but it does require regular hygienic cleaning. In its process, dried or damaged leaves are removed, and the plant is also thinned out by cutting off excess leaves. This procedure stimulates the appearance of new young leaves, which is why the bush will always look elegant and fluffy.

Oxalis reproduces in three ways: seeds, cuttings and bulbs (tubers).

The seed method is not very popular among gardeners, due to the duration of germination and greater painstaking work. However, this is more true for indoor species, since most garden plants reproduce by self-sowing. Sowing sour cherry with seeds is carried out in the first decade of April, using for this purpose independently prepared or purchased nutrient substrate.

To do this, the seeds are evenly distributed over its surface and sprayed from a spray bottle. Due to their very small size, seeds are not buried in the ground. Then the plantings are covered with glass or foil and left to germinate. Throughout the entire period of germination, the glass is lifted daily and the earth is allowed to breathe.

Spraying is carried out as needed, focusing on the state of the soil mixture and preventing it from drying out. As soon as the first greens appear, the greenhouse is dismantled, and young plants are grown until they become cramped in the common container. Usually, the first shoots appear within 2 weeks after sowing, however, the germination time largely depends on the conditions created and the quality of the seeds.

After the shoot grows up and gets a little stronger, a dive is performed, replanting the plants to permanent places. In the first year of life, young shoots are engaged in the formation of leaf rosettes and rhizomes, and begin to bloom only in the second year.

The method of cuttings has become much more widespread than seed, and is very often used in the home cultivation of sour cherry. The first step is to choose a healthy and strong plant and cut the best stem with several leaves. The cut is carried out at the very base, after which the lower leaves are removed and no more than 2-3 pieces are left in the upper part of the cutting. Then the shoot is placed in water and young root shoots are expected to appear, which usually occurs after 2-3 weeks.

Next, they observe the roots, and as soon as they grow up to 1.5 cm, the cutting is transplanted into a soft and loose substrate and await rooting. Some growers recommend planting cuttings directly in the soil mixture, without placing them in water. With this technology, shoots are planted in small groups, provide diffused lighting and a temperature of at least 25 degrees.

Reproduction by tubers or bulbs is performed in the spring during plant transplantation. For this, the rhizome is taken out of the pot, washed well and placed in any growth stimulator, for example, "Kornevin", for 15 minutes. Then the bulbs are separated and planted in pots, several in each. The containers are removed in a warm place, and when the first sprouts appear, they are rearranged to a bright place.Reproduction by tubers is performed in a similar way, grouping them in 8-10 pieces and planting them in separate pots to a depth of 1 cm.

You can propagate sour cherry in a nodule way at any time of the year. So, if you plant the tubers in early December, then by the New Year's holidays a fluffy and beautiful bush will grow. When growing acid wood in the open ground, tubers of frost-resistant species are planted in late autumn, keeping 10 cm between them and burying them to a depth of 8-10 cm. In spring, the tubers will germinate and in the summer the plant will begin to bloom. Tubers of thermophilic species, on the contrary, are dug up in the fall, stored during the winter in a cool place, and in the spring, after the soil warms up to at least 10 degrees, they are planted in place.

Oxide is quite resistant to many diseases and most problems arise from care errors.

• For example, if the plant withers, and plaque forms on the basis of the stems, then the matter is most likely in fusarium, which appeared due to too abundant watering and stagnant water in the pot. To eliminate the problem, the plant is taken out of the container, rotten roots are removed and planted in a new substrate, not forgetting to put the drainage on the bottom of the container.
• If the leaves change color and become faded, then the plant clearly lacks light and needs to be rearranged to a more illuminated place.
• The appearance of brown spots on the leaves indicates a sunburn. It is necessary to remove the plant from the sun and provide it with diffused lighting.
• If the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, the room may be too hot and dry. To fix the problem, you need to lower the temperature and humidify the room regularly.

Of the pests, sour lily is most often attacked. aphids, spider mites and scale insects. Signs of damage are twisted leaves and the appearance of cobwebs or clusters of insects on their back. To destroy pests, use drug "Actellic" or the leaves are treated with soapy water.

For information on how to care for acidic sour, see the next video.