Slender yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis dillenii)

Also known as: Common yellow woodsorrel

Slender yellow woodsorrel flowers feature five yellow petals, each measuring between 5 millimeters and 1 centimeter in length. The plant's distinctive trifoliate leaves are typically 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Though originally from North America, this plant is now found in various parts of the world.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Slender yellow woodsorrel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 41 cm

Spread

50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Slender yellow woodsorrel

Quickly Identify Slender yellow woodsorrel

To identify Oxalis dillenii, look for trifoliate leaves with three heart-shaped leaflets. The plant usually produces small yellow flowers with five petals. It also has distinctive seed pods that explode when mature, dispersing seeds widely.

Scientific Classification of Slender yellow woodsorrel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Oxalidales

Family

Wood sorrel

Genus

Wood sorrels

Species

Slender yellow woodsorrel

Planting and Growing of Slender yellow woodsorrel

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-68℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Oxalis dillenii, commonly known as Southern Wood-sorrel, thrives best when its soil is kept moderately moist. The ideal watering amount is about 200 milliliters per session, which ensures that moisture reaches the root level without causing waterlogging. It's important to let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, which can help you tailor the frequency and amount of water depending on environmental conditions.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Slender yellow woodsorrel? ›

What should I do if my Slender yellow woodsorrel is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Slender yellow woodsorrel? ›

How to save an overwatered Slender yellow woodsorrel? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours

Oxalis dillenii benefits from partial sun, ideally 2 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight. This range supports healthy growth by balancing energy absorption and preventing leaf damage from excessive sun.

What is the optimal sunlight exposure for Oxalis dillenii? ›

How can I adjust the light conditions for Oxalis dillenii? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting offer Oxalis dillenii? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 68℉

For optimal growth, Oxalis dillenii thrives best in a temperature range of 50°F to 68°F. This range provides the perfect balance to maintain metabolic efficiency and energy production, which supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Oxalis dillenii thrives in soil that ensures proper drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot. Excellent drainage aids in healthy root development and overall plant vigor, enhancing growth productivity. The plant prefers moderately fertile soil. This ensures that the plant gets enough nutrients without the risk of nutrient toxicity, maintaining a balanced ecosystem for optimal growth and survival. While it requires good drainage, the soil should also retain some moisture. This helps in nurturing the plant during dry spells, ensuring that it stays hydrated and increases its resilience to drought conditions.

How to Fertilize Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Oxalis dillenii, or the southern wood sorrel, is a low maintenence plant that doesn't require heavy fertilization. When using liquid fertilizer, mix it to half of the recommended strength on the package to avoid over-fertilization. For slow-release fertilizers, a small amount, around one to two tablespoons per plant, is sufficient for its nutritional needs.

How to Prune Slender yellow woodsorrel?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Prune back any overgrown stems to the desired shape, ensuring an even and balanced appearance. Focus on cutting just above a leaf node, as this encourages branching and fuller growth. Adjust the plant's shape by assessing from different angles to maintain symmetry. To promote new growth, focus on pinching back the tips of stems. This not only prevents them from becoming too long but also stimulates the production of more lateral branches, filling out the plant and enhancing its bushiness.

How to Propagate Slender yellow woodsorrel plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Summer

Collect mature seeds from the Oxalis dillenii and sow them in a sterile potting mix. Ensure they are lightly covered with soil and kept moist. Place the seed trays in a warm and well-lit area to support germination.

Select a healthy stem from the Oxalis dillenii and make a clean cut using pruning shears. The cutting should be approximately 5-10 cm long with several leaves. Allow the cut end to dry slightly before planting.

Gently remove the plant from the soil and carefully separate the root clumps. Each division should have roots and shoots. Replant each clump in pots filled with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.

How to Repot Slender yellow woodsorrel plant?

Repotting frequency: Annual repotting required

Oxalis dillenii typically signals its need for a new pot when its roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or the top of the soil appears to be compacted. Another sign is when the growth rate noticeably slows down. Ideally, repot during the warmer months of spring or summer to ensure optimal recovery and growth.

Choose a pot that is just slightly bigger than the existing one, with good drainage holes to prevent water-logging. A pot too large can lead to excessive soil moisture, which may cause root rot. Opt for a breathable material, like terracotta, to facilitate air exchange, benefiting root health.

Opt for a well-drained sandy mix that allows easy movement of water and air around the roots. A mix that retains too much moisture can negatively affect the plant, causing root rot. A well-aerated soil encourages healthy root development, which is crucial for thriving Oxalis dillenii.

Toxicity of Slender yellow woodsorrel

Is Slender yellow woodsorrel toxic to cat?

The slender yellow woodsorrel is a plant species that is toxic to cats. Accidental ingestion of this plant can represent a serious health threat. Every part of the slender yellow woodsorrel is toxic, and if consumed, it might result in physical discomfort, illness, or distress for cats. Exposure typically occurs through the unintentional eating of the plant. If you suspect that your cat has consumed slender yellow woodsorrel, it is vital to obtain immediate veterinary help to ensure that your pet gets the necessary care and treatment.

Is Slender yellow woodsorrel toxic to dog?

The slender yellow woodsorrel plant is recognized as toxic to dogs. Accidental consumption of this plant by dogs can lead to poisoning. All parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and flowers, contain harmful substances that can endanger canine health. If a dog consumes any portion of slender yellow woodsorrel, it may exhibit symptoms of poisoning such as gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and various signs of discomfort. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict their access to slender yellow woodsorrel to prevent any unintentional ingestion. Should a dog consume slender yellow woodsorrel, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary assistance for the pet’s safety.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Toxic Techniques→