Are you concerned on why is my oxalis drooping? Oxalis triangularis or simply oxalis plant is a household adored by many collectors and gardening enthusiasts. This plant can flourish in a pot indoors or better, you can fully enjoy it indoors.
The shamrock plant or oxalis produces a range of flowers in various bright and deep colors. Despite being tough and easy to grow, these plants are prone to droopiness for several reasons.
Even if you have been taking care of your Oxalis for years, it might start to look dull and lifeless under certain conditions. To know more about why is my Oxalis drooping, read further.
Why Is My Oxalis Drooping?
The unique colors of Oxalis leaves make them a popular houseplant. The leaves on these plants are triangle-shaped and fold at night and open in the morning. Beautiful blooms occur throughout the year on these plants.
Unfortunately, the foliage of these amazing plants is prone to droopiness, even if these plants are super easy to grow. When the plant is drooping, its foliage appears lifeless and dull, as if it’s going to die any minute.
Oxalis may begin to droop when they are not adequately watered, but more often than not, they begin to droop as they enter dormancy at the end of their growing season.
If your oxalis plant seems to be drooping due to dormancy, you have a couple of options. If they don’t expect this period of dormancy, they think they have killed their Oxalis. Oxalis plants have symmetrical leaves that may look as though they are attached to straight and upright stems.
The leaves of droopy Oxalis become flaccid while the stems bow downward. The following reasons in Oxalis plants can cause droopy foliage:
- Irregularity
- Overwatering
- A lack of sunlight
- A low humidity level
- Mixture for fast-draining pots
- A dusty leaf
- Shock after transplant
The Wrong Amount Of Water Is Being Applied
Drooping Oxalis can be caused by either underwatering or overwatering. Dig a hole 2 inches deep and insert a stick or the tip of your finger. A damp and moist soil indicates that you have overwatered your plant. If you don’t water the plant enough, the soil will be dry below one inch.
The topsoil should dry between waterings, no matter what schedule you follow. Overwatering can be avoided this way. It is also possible to check the texture of leaves to see if the leaves are drooping due to overwatering or underwatering.
A plant with wilted or dry leaves indicates an underwatering problem, while one with wilted or soft leaves indicates an overwatering problem.
Insufficient Sunlight Causes Oxalis To Droop
To carry out photosynthesis, plants need adequate sunlight exposure. They become dull when their foliage does not receive enough sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
Similarly, Oxalis’ foliage becomes droopy when not properly exposed to sunlight. Consider its sunlight exposure next time you wonder why my Oxalis is drooping.
Where Should You Put Your Drooping Oxalis? Oxalis should be positioned in a brightly lit area if it is drooping. Direct sunlight is best for this plant. It is best to place it near a window facing north or east. However, don’t expose it to direct sunlight as the sun can burn its leaves.
Extremely Low Humidity
Oxalis plants transpire more quickly when placed in low humidity. Leaf transpiration is faster than root absorption. The result is dull, droopy leaves.
How humid should Oxalis be? At least 50% humidity is needed for Oxalis to transpire properly. Therefore, you should use a humidifier to increase the humidity level in your home if it is less than 50%.
To provide your Oxalis plant with the right amount of moisture, you can also place it on a pebble tray. Once the humidity is set at 50% or more, the drooping Oxalis will once again take on a healthy shape.
Drowsy Soil Mix Causes Oxalis To Droop
Oxalis planted in a fast-draining potting mix cannot absorb enough water because water drains quickly through the drainage hole. As a result, leaves become dull and limp due to a lack of water.
Oxalis Potting Mix: What’s the Best? Oxalis should be grown in rich and fertile soil and that drains well but does not dry out too quickly. Growing Oxalis in potting soil and peat moss is the best method.
Go to a similar post: Peperomia Drooping
Summary
Plants like Oxalis are beautiful and low-maintenance indoor plants but can suffer from droopy foliage. People who own Oxalis are often asked the same question: why is my Oxalis drooping?
Watering too deeply, poor soil, insufficient sunlight, dusty leaves, low humidity, and pest infestation are all examples of minor mistakes that cause it. Some natural causes can also cause drooping foliage on Oxalis plants. Good news: if you’re aware of how to handle each of these issues, you can get your plant back to its former glory!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended watering schedule for Oxalis?
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry halfway down between waterings. When the light is brighter, you will water more often, and when the light is lower, you will water less often.
Is Oxalis tolerant of direct sunlight?
Oxalis needs gritty soil, bright filtered light, and low humidity for indoor growth. Hardy woodland species should be planted in full or partial shade on moist, fertile soil that is humus-rich. Hardy Oxalis species require full sun, well-drained soil, and moderately fertile soil.
How should an oxalis plant be cared for indoors?
Light shade and well-drained soil are ideal conditions for this Oxalis. The more light it receives and the cooler the temperature (60 to 70 degrees), the brighter and more vibrant the foliage and flowers. Make sure to fertilize regularly.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below