Photo: Jacqui GeuxCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sorrel Plant Care
Acetosa sagittata (Thunb.) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its arrow-shaped leaves and vibrant green color. Originating from Europe, it is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sorrel?
Water Sorrel every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sorrel Native To?
What Is the Sorrel?
Sorrel (Acetosa sagittata) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Acetosa genus. Sorrel is native to southern Africa, which has become a weed in Australia and New Zealand.
Sorrel displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Sorrel produces small clusters of pink or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sorrel?
Acetosa sagittata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sorrel Need?
Sorrel thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sorrel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sorrel Prefer?
Acetosa sagittata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Sorrel prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sorrel?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Sorrel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sorrel?
Feed Sorrel every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sorrel?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sorrel?
Sorrel can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds.
Is the Sorrel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sorrel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sorrel?
Sorrel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sorrel Need?
Sorrel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sorrel is native to southern Africa, which has become a weed in Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Sorrel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sorrel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acetosa genus (family Polygonaceae) — search all Acetosa species in the plant lookup.
Sorrel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acetosa sagittata (Thunb.) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs, family Polygonaceae (first published in Contr. New South Wales Natl. Herb. 3: 166 (1962)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sorrel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jacqui Geux, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Sorrel Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species