Oxalis

Oxalis

Today we are going to talk about a genus of plants known as Oxalis. These are plants that have become invasive in orchards. Among the common names we find vinagrillos, sorrels and barrabases. These are plants that are quite annoying in the orchards when we are cultivating, but they do not harm the plantations. Oxalis is considered a weed, therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to the main most frequent species and what we can do with them.

Learn all about the genus Oxalis.

Key features

Genus Oxalis

Being an invasive plant, its reproduction is quite simple. The most normal thing is that they spread very easily throughout the garden. Although they do not cause real damage to plants, they are quite annoying. It is considered a weed, but it is better to call it a non-proceeding plant. This is because it is a plant that does not proceed in the crop that we are developing. I mean, it has nothing to do with what we are trying to do.

The main characteristic of Oxalis is to have the leaves as if it were a clover. Su flowering is quite decorative, so we could think that they do not generate any nuisance for the crops. On the contrary, we have clover-shaped plants and on top of it with a quite beautiful flowering. However, it is the roots that cause problems. And it is that the plant develops bulbs that break as we use a tool to remove the soil or crush the soil.

As we do some tillage work, We break the Oxalis bulbs and end up greatly increasing their expansion. After a short time, we realize that we are with the entire garden infested with this plant. Once it has been expanded and installed, it is already more difficult to remove it.

Uses

Oxalis uses

To be able to deal with this type of invasive plant, it is being put to good use in gardening. Since it has the really decorative leaves and flowers, they are being used for ornamental purposes. For example, there are some varieties that have a maroon color, others have yellow flowers, there are those with the largest and smallest leaves, etc.

Each type of species that forms the genus Oxalis it has some characteristics that can make it useful for ornamentation. In addition, they are great groundcover plants, since they do not usually grow very high. It is perfect to place on rockeries. It can be used in gardens that lack sparsely populated gaps or on gravel surfaces, to fill in stone slabs or even in some uglier corners.

Among the best known species we find:

  • Oxalis pes-caprae
  • oxalis corniculata
  • oxalis triangular
  • Oxalis acetosella
  • Oxalis articulata
  • oxalis latifolia
  • oxalis versicolor

We are going to analyze the main cares of some of the best known of them.

Care oxalis triangular

oxalis triangular

It is known by its common name butterfly plant. This is a plant that does not withstand warmer temperatures well. They must stay below 29 degrees. If the area where you live has frequent frosts, it is better to protect them in a greenhouse. The optimal range of temperatures is between 4 and 11 degrees. In winter they usually rest, so it is best to place them in gardens or terraces if you want to have them in pots.

We must place it in a place where the lighting is high, but without having direct sunlight. The best location is the one where the light is filtered. It needs regular waterings all year round, except that in winter it is hardly necessary. Since the rainfall already takes care of it and in winter they make a stop, hardly needs watering. It is advisable to use a fertilizer with a low amount of nitrogen and once a month.

Caring for the Oxalis articulata

Oxalis articulata

It is known as pink vinegar and is used in pots and planters. It is also perfect to place them in the wettest areas of the garden and, unlike other Oxalis species, the leaves can be consumed in some salads.

Among the requirements that the pink vinegar needs is an exposure to semi-shade. It does not support the direct rays of the sun. Its preferred climate is the Mediterranean with warmer summers. It can be placed in full sun and summer temperatures are cooler. They resist some sporadic and not very intense frosts.

As for the soil, the best is sandy type with organic matter and that has good drainage. They must be planted in early spring. As for watering, it needs a fairly frequent watering in the warmer seasons, but without getting waterlogged. The warning to water again is that the soil does not get to dry completely. Irrigation in winter will be greatly reduced. Never let the substrate get completely dry.

A monthly subscription can be interesting. To do this, we will use a mineral fertilizer during the spring and summer months. They do not need pruning and are quite resistant to pests and diseases. They multiply easily, so you don't have to get too complicated.

Care oxalis corniculata

oxalis corniculata

It is known by the name of hallelujah. They are easy to grow since they spread quickly throughout the land. Their growth is quite fast and they are used in patios, gardens or as plants that cover all the less populated land.

It needs an exposure to full sun or that is quite illuminated. It does not support temperatures below 5 degrees constantlyand. Yes, it can withstand a light frost. They prefer a soil with organic matter and of a sandy type. Ideally, the land should have good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

The waterings should be more regular in spring. In autumn and winter we will wait until the land is almost dry. Despite what you think, in summer you don't have to water them a lot as they go to rest. A slow release fall compost compost is recommended. You have to see if they become invasive since they are resistant to pests and diseases.

I hope that with these tips you can enjoy this invasive plant as an ornamental element.


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