Palm Leaf Oxalis Plant Care

Palm Leaf Oxalis (Oxalis palmifrons) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus. Palm Leaf Oxalis is native to South Africa's Northern and Western Cape provinces.

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

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

Oxalis palmifrons tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Palm Leaf 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 Palm Leaf Oxalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf 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 Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf 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.

Palm Leaf Oxalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Palm Leaf Oxalis is native to South Africa's Northern and Western Cape provinces. In cooler regions, grow Palm Leaf Oxalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.