Oxalis

(Question)

I have two oxalis inside my house about 4 feet back from a west facing window. The purple one is doing great but the green one has folded leaves and dry leaves. They are in the same pot. There is drainage. I was told that it might have peat damage- I cannot figure out what that is? Any suggestions?

(Answer)

The contrast between the green and purple leaves would have been very appealing when you purchased the plant. However, the light requirements differ between the green and purples leaves. Peat is not a problem as the other characteristic of oxalis is they will become dormant at separate times, but the bulbs will start growing again after the rest period.

If you’re interested in keeping them for the future, you may wish to consider separating the bulbs into different pots, placing the green leafed variety brighter light while restoring the purple leafed to the same location where it has been so happy.

Here is further reading for you:

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/propagating-oxalis-infoline/

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/shamrocks-oxalis-spp/#:~:text=The%20plants%20will%20start%20to,dry%20out%20and%20turn%20brown.