Wood sorrel (Oxalis decaphylla)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wood sorrel on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Wood sorrel
Oxalis decaphylla, also known as the ten-leaved shamrock, is a small perennial bulbous plant that forms dense clumps of bright green foliage, often with a reddish tint in the sun. Its delicate white to pale pink flowers appear in spring and summer, adding a charming touch. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edges, or as a potted plant on patios and balconies.
Native range
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, and reduce watering in winter when the plant goes dormant. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to bulb rot; its main enemy is waterlogging.
How to save a dying Wood sorrel
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing leaves or dry, crispy edges. Lack of flowering. Soft bulbs.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If waterlogged, repot into dry soil. If very dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering that rots its bulbs. Also lack of light or intense direct sun burning its delicate leaves.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulbs are not completely rotted. Remove damaged parts and adjust watering and light.