Cape Sorrel Plant Care

Cape Sorrel (Oxalis glabra) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus. Cape Sorrel is native to South Africa and can be found carpeting the ground of woodlands and bushlands.

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

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

Oxalis glabra tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Cape Sorrel 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 Cape Sorrel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape 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 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.

Cape Sorrel 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.

Cape Sorrel 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 Cape 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.

Cape Sorrel 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.

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

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Cape 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.

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

Cape Sorrel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cape Sorrel is native to South Africa and can be found carpeting the ground of woodlands and bushlands. In cooler regions, grow Cape Sorrel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.