Oxalis decaphylla Plant Care

Oxalis decaphylla Kunth

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Oxalis decaphylla, the ten-leaf woodsorrel, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, and it has been introduced to Great Britain.

🪴Houseplants🧅Bulbs & Tubers
Water

Every 4–7 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Oxalis decaphylla?

Plant Oxalis decaphylla in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Oxalis decaphylla Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Oxalis decaphylla?

Oxalis decaphylla (Oxalis decaphylla) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus. Oxalis decaphylla is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, and it has been introduced to Great Britain.

Oxalis decaphylla displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Oxalis decaphylla 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 Oxalis decaphylla?

Water a young or newly planted Oxalis decaphylla every 4–7 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 4–7 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Oxalis decaphylla Need?

Oxalis decaphylla thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Oxalis decaphylla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oxalis decaphylla Prefer?

Oxalis decaphylla tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Oxalis decaphylla prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oxalis decaphylla?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Oxalis decaphylla?

Feed Oxalis decaphylla 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Oxalis decaphylla?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Oxalis decaphylla is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Oxalis decaphylla?

Oxalis decaphylla can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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.

How Do You Prune a Oxalis decaphylla?

Prune Oxalis decaphylla 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.

How Do You Care for a Oxalis decaphylla in Winter?

Oxalis decaphylla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Oxalis decaphylla?

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

Is the Oxalis decaphylla Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

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 Oxalis decaphylla?

Oxalis decaphylla 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.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Oxalis decaphylla Need?

Oxalis decaphylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Oxalis decaphylla is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, and it has been introduced to Great Britain. In cooler regions, grow Oxalis decaphylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Oxalis decaphylla 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.

Oxalis is part of the Oxalidaceae plant family — browse all Oxalidaceae genera and species.

Oxalis decaphylla 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:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Oxalis decaphylla Kunth, family Oxalidaceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. 5: 238 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Oxalis decaphylla is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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.

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