oxalis houseplant dieing on me?

Question

i kept it near a bright but fairly cool window sill, and water it lightly once a week, but every week a couple of the leaves die away completely. moved it away from the cold but no difference. anyone know how i can stop this? thanks

Answer 1

Older leaves die off, just like your skin cells, and hair in your brush. Grooming is a standard requirement for a healthy appeareance. You need to worry only if it gets mushy in the center or stops putting out replacement leaves. Still it will require a dormant period from time to time. As long as the corm has not rotted, let it dry out for a while and then divide and repot. Discard the older parts of the corm and break the shrimp like parts into sections 1/2 to 1 inch long. Water once, and then wait for new growth to start before watering again. Old leaves die off, you can't stop that.
I prefer a watering technique where plants become almost dry, but then are watered thoroughly so that water runs out and is drained away. This helps to reduce the build up of mineral salts that basically turn your potting soil into concrete and make it a hostile environment for root growth. Adding a little water at a time is a sure way to develope that crusty white stuff on the surface of the soil. Look out for that.

Answer 2

Hello Rob, please don't worry about your Oxalis as they're not meant to have growth 12 months of the year. At best, some of the species are semi-evergreen and as you use yours as a house plant it will do the tubers good to have a wee rest every now and again.
Let what foliage is left die down and keep it in a cool dry place, and when spring comes bring it out and re-pot it in a gritty compost and start watering again.
One of the lovliest ones is Oxalis triangularis 'Ace of Spades', it has dark purple leaves with a burgundy centre and light pink flowers. I'm breeding them at the moment trying to get a black leaved strain. It's taking years, but I'm getting there! x

Answer 3

it grows from a bulb, and is really supposed to be planted outdoors, but makes such a lovely houseplant. try watering a little less often or less of an amount when you do. i think losing leaves is a fairly common complaint for that plant....i love the purple ones with pink flowers!