Dwarf Oxalis Plant Care

Dwarf Oxalis (Oxalis depressa) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus. Dwarf Oxalis is native to South Africa. Dwarf Oxalis is also known as Low Oxalis.

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

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dwarf Oxalis 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.

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

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

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

Feed Dwarf Oxalis 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 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.

Dwarf Oxalis 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.

Dwarf Oxalis 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.

Prune Dwarf Oxalis 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.

Dwarf Oxalis 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.

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

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

Dwarf Oxalis 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.

Dwarf Oxalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dwarf Oxalis is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Oxalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.