Oxalis versicolor (Oxalis versicolor), or variegated oxalis - a beautiful ornamental plant. Gorgeous flowers made it a very popular New Year's gift in European countries. This became possible because, when grown indoors, oxalis blooms for almost the entire year.
Almost all varieties of sour acid are not whimsical to the conditions of planting and care. Although there are some features, and they should be considered when growing plants. In total, there are about nine hundred species of oxalis, on the basis of which many decorative varieties are bred. These plants have different heights, bud color and features of reproduction and care.
Oxalis versicolor attracts lovers of indoor plants with its unusual colors. On the inside, they are painted milky white, and on the outside they are white with a red border.
Title
Oxalis got its name due to the special acidic taste of leaflets that contain a lot of oxalic acid. Oxys translates from Latin as "sour". The birthplace of this plant is South Africa, Central Europe and America. It should be noted that in the Russian forests one can also meet one of the varieties - common acid.
Many species of this large family are grown in gardens, indoors, in greenhouses. In our country, this plant is often called "sour" and "rabbit cabbage." In America they prefer to call it “Indian lemonade”, “sheep sorrel”, and in Europe - “sour clover”.
Oxalis versicolor: description
The variegated variety is a compact plant: its height does not exceed 15 cm. Oxalis versicolor has long and thin leaves, collected in bundles of three at the tips of short shoots. In open ground, even non-flowering plants create a magnificent green fluffy carpet.
At home, acidic variegated blooms almost year-round. Half-opened buds make up spiral folded petals. Narrow at the base of the tube expands to the apex. The bud, fully blossomed, is white inside and white-red outside. Oxalis versicolor has an interesting feature. The buds of the plant open daily, except on cloudy days, and in the evening they again take the form of an umbrella.
Today they are considered the most prestigious and high-quality planting material (bulbs) from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Based on oxalis versicolor, a photo of which can often be found on the pages of many floriculture magazines, breeders have developed an amazing variety - the Golden Cape. It has yellow-red petals and pale green foliage.
Today we will talk about growing indoor oxalis versicolor. Home care, plant photos, growing characteristics - all this we will present below.
Landing
Lovers of indoor plants are attracted to this flower by the ability to grow it at any time of the year. From the moment of planting to the appearance of the first buds, twenty to forty days pass. In summer, this process is faster, in winter - slower. Therefore, you can independently adjust the flowering at the time you need.
Where to put the plant?
Oxalis flower versicolor prefers well-lit places. At the same time, it is better not to use the southern windowsill without shading. The hot midday sun can harm the plant: delicate leaves will get burned and begin to dry. Therefore, partial shade is more suitable for growing this flower.
Soil mix
The bulb of oxalis versicolor must be planted in a nutritious, loose soil. Most suitable mixture of leaf turf, sand and peat in equal parts. At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer of expanded clay or broken brick is required. The substrate should be loose and rich in potassium. On poor soil, the plant will not be so bright. If you do not have the opportunity to make the soil mixture yourself, use universal soil for indoor plants.
Bulbs are best placed in groups of 5-7 pieces. Plants look especially attractive when planting is fairly dense. On top of the tubers are covered with a layer of soil mixture with a thickness of not more than five centimeters.
Flowering period
With proper care, oxalis versicolor (photo you can see in this article) begins to bloom in mid-April, and this process continues until September. Numerous buds succeed each other, and a feeling of continuous flowering is created. Inflorescences that have faded can not be removed: they do not interfere with the development of the plant, but in this case, the oxalis looks somewhat untidy, so it is recommended to prune the peduncles at the base.
Sometimes oxalis refuses to bloom. Most often this happens in very dark rooms. It is not difficult to cope with this problem: it is enough to rearrange the pot in a well-lit place or take it to a balcony or a loggia. In the fresh air, sour acid blooms especially plentifully and for a long time.
Bush formation
We have already said that this unpretentious plant is oxalis versicolor. Planting and caring for the plant usually do not cause problems, even for beginner gardeners. However, the plant has features that can not be ignored. These include, in particular, the formation of a bush.
Growing up, the branches of oxalis are extended and fall apart. To prevent this from happening, the plant needs a regular haircut. Thin out the acid once a month, cutting off excess twigs and leaves. This procedure stimulates the appearance of new leaves.
Rest period
This plant, like many other indoor flowers, has a dormant period. In October, you should cut off the vegetative mass and stop watering. Leave the bulbs in the ground and place the pot with them in a dark and cool room (+12 ... +14 ° C). In this case, the soil can not be overdried: it is slightly moistened if necessary.
In the spring, when you see the first sprouts in the pot, the sour acid should be transferred to a bright place and moisten the soil abundantly. The flower begins to quickly grow vegetative mass and after a month and a half begins to bloom.
Transplantation and reproduction
Oxalis versicolor grows very quickly, so it needs an annual transplant. Spend it in the spring, when the plant enters the period of active vegetation. At the same time, you can propagate the plant. If you do not need new copies, then take a larger diameter container (2 cm).
When dividing the plant into several parts, you can leave the same capacity. Put drainage at the bottom of the pot, which will eliminate excess moisture. Then pour a layer of soil mixture. Carefully remove the plant from the old pot and thoroughly rinse the roots with room temperature water. Trim rotten and dry parts and dry slightly. Moisten the soil in a new container and place the plant. Fill the roots with soil and tamp it a little with your hand. Water again a little and put the acid in partial shade.
Cuttings
This is another common way to propagate this indoor flower. For it, you will need cuttings from an adult plant. First, a stem with several leaves is cut off at the base. Excess leaf blades are removed, leaving no more than two on the handle, and put it in water. After about three weeks, new sprouts and roots will appear. When the new shoots grow to one and a half centimeters, rooted cuttings are planted in loose soil.
Among flower growers, the seed method of reproduction did not take root. Indoor species reproduce well vegetatively, so there is no particular need to use this method. And garden forms, for example carob oxalis, reproduce well by self-sowing.
Watering
Between watering, the soil in the pot should dry out on two-thirds of the volume of soil. Oxygen does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, which often leads to rotting of the roots. In summer, especially before flowering begins, oxalis is watered abundantly. On hot days, this procedure is carried out twice a day: morning and evening. At this time, it will be useful to spray the plant. This should not be done during the day, as water droplets, which can get on delicate leaves, will cause burns.
Top dressing
For as long as possible, the decorative appearance of the plant will help to support regular feeding. Nutrients favorably affect the appearance of foliage: it becomes juicy and bright, and the petioles do not stretch, so the plant retains its shape well.
Top dressing is carried out twice a month: from April to August. As a rule, complex preparations for flowering indoor plants are used. Liquid nutrients, such as Fertika or Kemira Lux, give good results.
Oxalis related signs
Many lovers of indoor plants are sure that oxalis protects the family from quarrels. In some countries, it is believed that the flower brings good luck, so it is presented to friends and relatives on the occasion of housewarming and other celebrations. Oxalis, along with hibiscus, is considered a rather unusual plant that helps to solve many problems in personal life. Colorful flower beds heal from overwork and depression, and for lonely people give such a flower so that they soon find their soul mate.
And even if you absolutely do not believe in signs, undemanding and bright flowers will surely decorate your apartment: the sour tree will cheer you up with its memorable and colorful look.