Happy Urban Dirt

You have certainly often seen the so-called “butterfly flowers”, a type of plant with purple flowers that close at night. But what you may not know is that these oxalis are actually many types. For example, Oxalis tetraphylla, also called deppei, which we want to talk to you about.

You know how it is? And the care you need? Don’t worry, we will give you all the keys so that you can have this plant at home and, by the way, so that it can serve you and enjoy it year after year.

How is oxalis tetraphylla doing?

The first thing you should know about Oxalis tetraphylla is that it can be found in stores under a different scientific name, Oxalis deppei. And a popular name: Iron Cross. Other names include four-leaf clover (be careful, it’s not lucky like these because it’s not a real clover), and four-leaf pink sorrel.

Visually you have a bulbous plant native to Mexico that grows long but very gaunt stems, forceful enough to rise above the pot and display its special leaves. They are divided into four parts, hence the name clover with its characteristic green color. However, in the center they will always be intensely purple.

It has the peculiarity that when the intensity of airy or sun decreases, the leaves close, giving the appearance of wilting. But in reality this is not the case, it is something typical of sorrel.

If you are lucky, it may bloom for you in spring and summer. We won’t tell you that the flowers are very pretty, because compared to the leaves they are almost unnoticeable, but they are pleasant to look at. They are red or pink in color and have five eternal petals and white, green and yellow centers. And just like leaves, you will see them close at night, only to open again in the morning.

An captivating fact about oxalis tetraphylla that is worth knowing is that it is edible. Both leaves and flowers can be eaten. But be careful because if you eat too much it will be very toxic and you may have consequences.

Oxalis tetraphylla care

Do you know Oxalis Tetraphylla? Do you have one at home? These are plants that have been in fashion for several years, and although previously only those with purple leaves were known, nurseries and gardening stores import more and more different species that delight plant lovers.

But as a plant, it has needs that you must meet. In this case, the most critical ones are listed below.

location and temperature

Yes, oxalis tetraphylla needs airy, but not direct airy. This may make you think that you can have it indoors in a radiant spot or outside in partial shade. But in both cases, we recommend placing it more outside than inside. If you have it indoors, the stems will be thinner and may even fall off due to the weight of the leaves, and they will be weaker.

So look for a place with partial shade (so that the sun shines early in the morning or delayed in the afternoon) or in the shade but with plenty of indirect airy. Of course you will need to check this as the stems tend to move depending on the airy and changing their orientation can be good for keeping your plants growing well.

As for temperature, It is a plant that tolerates temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees. Even over 30 could adapt (if he has been with you for a long time). But above all, it will be normal that he will eventually die.

The frosty takes it worse, but only halfway. And the thing is, if where you live it is usually frosty in winter, you will lose the plant, but you can dig up the bulbs, keep them in a desiccated and dim place and replant them at the end of winter or early spring so that they come out again. Another option is to leave them in the pot, although in that case I recommend protecting it.

Subsoil

Oxalis tetraphylla is a plant that must have good soil that prevents excessive moisture. For this reason, we recommend a mixture with a universal substrate, peat and perlite or akadama. This will make it looser and the bulb roots will be able to move forward.

Generally speaking, you won’t need to repot it until you see that there are too many plants (and bulbs) in the pot you have it in, so it’s best to separate them for the winter and plant them in different pots in spring.

Irrigation

Oxalis tetraphylla is not a plant that requires a lot of water. In general, water only when the soil is desiccated. But it’s the plant itself that can warn you, as its leaves and stems collapse when it suffers from drought. Of course it’s not good to come to this.

Therefore, using peat moss in the soil will lend a hand retain moisture and give it time to water it when it begins to desiccated out.

You can’t afford to over-water, otherwise the bulbs will rot.

pruning

Oxalis tetraphylla doesn’t really need pruning. But yes, maintenance in terms of removing wilted stems and leaves. This will be especially true after summer when the frosty weather starts to arrive.

Reproduction

At lastOxalis tetraphylla is propagated by dividing the plant. To do this, you need to make sure that you have a plant that is at least 20 centimeters high and very leafy.

You can remove the plant from the pot and very carefully divide it into clumps for replanting. Although if you see it sticking, it’s better to do it while the bulbs are resting.

It is also worth knowing that it is a plant that also reproduces by air and it will not be strange if you have it, suddenly you see this plant growing in other pots further away (or nearby) without having to do anything.

Sorrel tetraphylla is not a very demanding plant, but you need to give it a good place and care so that it can tolerate you and so that you can enjoy it (and its reproduction). Do you have any other tips for this plant?