Plant Oca or Oxalis Flowers: [Needs, Substrate, Irrigation and Cultivation]

The Flower of Oca or OxalisIt is a beautiful tropical plant that can bloom throughout the year, ideal for growing it in pots.

Some 600 varieties have been recognized worldwide.

In general, they do not reach heights greater than 30 cm.

But they are very resistant, they can expand almost anywhere because they withstand high temperatures, given their nature of Tropical origin and they also adapt to the winter period.

It is considered an annual, perennial herbaceous plant, with a special characteristic: most of the recognized species have leaves that emulate a perfect four-armed clover, composed of between three and ten heart-shaped leaflets.

There are leaves that have many shades of beautiful hues on the underside and another color on the underside.

Its flower, somewhat less famous for obvious reasons, has five elongated petals and the same number of sepals that give it a lot of showiness and a notable contrast in relation to its leaves, which are also usually very striking.

Oxalis varieties

The Oxalis debilis variety is not demanding in care. Its flowers are quite showy and have elongated petals with pink, purple and yellow colors.

There is another Oca with yellow flowers whose scientific name is Oxalis pes-caprae, native to Israel.

But the most famous is the so-called Oca or False clover, which grows in tropical areas of Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and part of Central America.

There is another very common called Bowie’s Goose that grows freely in southern Africa, whose flowers are fuchsia. It is highly recommended to grow it in pots.

Finally, there is a very famous oxalis called oxalis triangularis, and we have an article about it.

Temperature: Where to plant the Flor de Oca?

It grows perfectly in environments with a temperature that varies between 15 to 21°C and even more.

There are some variants of the Oca that are very invasive and create very dense mounds in a few months, even withstanding cold temperatures.

Luz: What needs do the Flores de Ocas have?

It does not tolerate direct sun, so it can be an interesting indoor plant.

At home, it should be placed in a suitable place, since it needs good natural light.

Substrate and Fertilizer: How do we prepare the land?

The soil where it lives should combine equal amounts of peat, coarse sand and leaf mulch.

In simple terms: a good substrate, rich in nutrients (organic matter) and good drainage, guarantees, together with optimal irrigation and good natural light, that this plant flourishes throughout the year.

It is so noble that three large amounts of mineral fertilizer per year are enough for it. They can be provided at the beginning of spring, autumn and winter.

The ideal time to plant it, according to expert gardeners, is during the fall.

Grow oxalis step by step

Prepare a hole deep enough in case it is a seedling. If it is from seed, several centimeters will suffice.
It deposits substrate (worm humus, decomposed manure …) inside the hole.
Lightly water the hole and deposit the seeds or seedling.
Water lightly again.

Pruning: How can we do the Flor de Oca?

It does not require strict or regular pruning. But it is important to carefully remove the dry leaves, in order to prevent amorphous growth.

Irrigation: How often and how?

Ideally for her to receive a moderate watering twice a week.

In summer, where temperatures are higher, it may need daily watering. The rest of the year the irrigations can be spaced.

Our recommendation is to use drip irrigation or water with a watering can. In this way we will prevent the soil from flooding and the origin of fungi or other diseases.