Garden pink-sorrel (Oxalis latifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Garden pink-sorrel on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Garden pink-sorrel
Oxalis latifolia, also known as Broadleaf Wood Sorrel or Large-leaved Sorrel, is a perennial plant from the Oxalidaceae family, valued for its striking, deep green, trifoliate leaves that resemble a giant clover. It produces delicate pink or purple funnel-shaped flowers that rise on slender stems. It's an excellent choice for garden borders, pots, and containers, adding an exotic and vibrant touch.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It prefers locations with bright indirect sunlight or partial shade, avoiding intense direct sun which can scorch its leaves. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry out between waterings, and reducing it in winter. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot and the appearance of fungal diseases.
How to save a dying Garden pink-sorrel
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, no blooms. May show rot at the base.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves/stems. Check drainage, reduce watering. Move to bright, indirect light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its biggest enemy, quickly rotting bulbs. Intense direct sun also burns it.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. With good drainage and moderate watering, it usually recovers well.