Wood Sorrel Plant Care

Oxalis acetosella L.

Oxalis acetosella, the wood-sorrel or common wood-sorrel, is a herbaceous rhizomatous flowering plant in the family Oxalidaceae. The specific epithet acetosella refers to its sour taste.

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Water

Every 4–7 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Is the Wood Sorrel?

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus. Wood Sorrel is also known as Common Wood Sorrel, Fairy Bells, Cuckoo's Sorrel.

Wood Sorrel displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1 inches. Wood Sorrel produces small, funnel-shaped flowers in various colors like pink, white, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wood Sorrel?

Oxalis acetosella requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Wood Sorrel Need?

Wood Sorrel thrives in bright indirect light light conditions. The optimal light range is 100–200 lux. Avoid placing Wood Sorrel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

100–200 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wood Sorrel Prefer?

Oxalis acetosella grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Wood Sorrel prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wood Sorrel?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Wood Sorrel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Wood 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 Wood Sorrel?

Wood Sorrel can be propagated through division, seeds, bulbils. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false shamrock plant care, which shares the same genus.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

Is the Wood Sorrel Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to Pets & Children

Toxic if ingested in large quantities, can cause stomach upset in humans and pets

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wood Sorrel?

Wood Sorrel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wood Sorrel Need?

Wood Sorrel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Wood Sorrel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Wood 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 Oxalis genus — compare its care with other Oxalis species on PlantoScan.

Wood Sorrel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Oxalis Species

Other Oxalis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

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