Oriental Wood Sorrel Plant Care

Oriental Wood Sorrel (Acridocarpus orientalis) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Acridocarpus genus. Oriental Wood Sorrel is native to Arabia and tropical and subtropical Africa, with one species in New Caledonia.

Oriental Wood Sorrel displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Oriental Wood Sorrel produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Oriental Wood Sorrel every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Oriental Wood Sorrel thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Acridocarpus orientalis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Oriental Wood Sorrel prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Oriental Wood Sorrel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Oriental Wood Sorrel every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Oriental Wood Sorrel is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Oriental Wood Sorrel can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Oriental Wood Sorrel while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Oriental Wood Sorrel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Oriental Wood Sorrel can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to natal climbing tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Oriental Wood Sorrel is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Oriental Wood Sorrel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Oriental Wood Sorrel is native to Arabia and tropical and subtropical Africa, with one species in New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Oriental Wood Sorrel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.