Growing oxalis in pots

When to plant oxalis in pots?

To successfully plant your Oxalis, we recommend potting them when spring is well established, around April to May for outdoor use. They can also be repotted in early autumn, around September or October. These are indeed two periods with relatively mild temperatures, perfect for promoting root development and gentle hardening.

Oxalis also grows very well indoors, especially the tender varieties, such as the cultivar ‘versicolor’. In this case, repotting can be done all year round. It is even very interesting to plant Oxalis indoors around March to hasten the growth of the plant, then move your pot outside to the terrace after mid-May, when the risk of frost has passed.

Oxalis deppei

What type of pot to choose?

Of small size, Oxalis are not fussy about the choice of container. The bulbs should be planted 5 cm deep. Therefore, choose a planter that is at least 15 to 20 cm deep or a pot with a minimum diameter of 20 cm.

Note: the smaller your pot, the quicker the substrate will dry out, and you will need to be more vigilant and regular with watering.

Choose a pot, planter, or hanging basket with drainage holes. Indeed, Oxalis are sensitive to excess water, which can lead to the rotting of their bulbs. If the pot does not have a drainage hole, drill a hole in the bottom or on the sides 3 cm from the base.

It’s worth noting: although terracotta pots have many advantages, plastic pots will be easier to bring indoors in winter when you need to protect your Oxalis from frost.

Plastic pots are perfectly suited for Oxalis

What type of substrate to choose?

Oxalis thrive in rich soil that remains slightly moist but not overly wet. To prevent bulb rot, it is essential to ensure good drainage of water. To achieve this, place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot or planter, about 3 to 4 cm thick.

Mix 2/3 of potting soil for flowering plants with 1/3 of pumice to create a substrate that is both light and draining. You can also replace the pumice with garden sand, perlite, or gravel. Feel free to add a handful of well-matured compost to enrich the substrate.

Note: Light potting soils or potting soil for Mediterranean plants generally already contain perlite and ensure good drainage.

Which oxalis to choose?

With their compact sizes, all varieties of Oxalis can be easily grown in pots, planters, or containers. Here’s a small selection of our favourites:

Oxalis deppei

A beautiful variety with tender green leaves maculate with brown-purple, accompanied by a multitude of bright pink flowers. Best placed in full sun or light partial shade.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 20 cm

See the full description

Oxalis triangularis

Oxalis triangularis stands out with its burgundy clover-shaped leaves, marbled with violet. It produces lovely pink to pale pink flowers. A great variety for partial shade.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 20 cm

See the full description

Oxalis triangularis subsp.papilionacea

As beautiful indoors as outdoors, this Oxalis features bright green clover-shaped foliage and a long flowering period of pale pink.

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 15 cm

See the full description

Oxalis versicolor

A surprising variety with white flowers and a reverse margin of red-pink that appears in winter. This tender Oxalis is only suitable for warm regions or indoor cultivation.

• Height at maturity 10 cm

See the full description

Oxalis obtusa

A cushion-shaped Oxalis with pale green foliage, offering salmon-pink flowers with a yellow centre.

• Height at maturity 12 cm

See the full description

→ Find all our available Oxalis varieties here

How to plant Oxalis in pots?

1. Choose a pot, planter, or container. Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If not, make 1 to 3 holes at the bottom or side, 2-3 cm from the base.
2. Place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the container, about 3-4 cm thick.
3. Add a first layer of substrate on top (see chapter: what type of substrate to choose?), up to 7 cm from the edge, as your Oxalis bulbs need to be planted 5 cm deep. Then, compact the soil by hand.
4. Place your Oxalis bulbs on the soil, spacing them a few centimetres apart. For example, for a pot with a diameter of 20 cm, distribute 5 Oxalis bulbs. Be sure to respect the orientation of the bulb before placing it.
5. Cover the bulbs with soil up to 2 cm from the edge of the pot and compact again.
6. Water with rainwater, then place your pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.

Oxalis triangularis ssp.papilionacea ‘Atropurpurea’ bulbs

What exposure do oxalis need?

Most Oxalis prefer a bright location, either in full sun or partial shade. Some varieties, such as Oxalis triangularis, prefer a warm spot but without direct sunlight.

If you live in a warm region, particularly in the south of France, opt for a lightly shaded area and avoid scorching sun.

Indoors, place Oxalis in a bright room, near a window that receives direct sunlight. For Oxalis triangularis, a position facing east, west, or behind a sheer curtain on the south side is preferable.

Oxalis triangularis prefers partial shade, without direct sunlight

How to care for a potted Oxalis?

Watering

• Oxalis prefer a potting mix that is always slightly moist during the growing season. Outside of heatwaves, water the plant once or twice a week. Increase watering during periods of heat and drought.
• However, be cautious of overwatering, as stagnant moisture can cause the bulbs to rot.
• Reduce or even stop watering in winter when the plant is in dormancy in a cool place.

Fertiliser

Oxalis thrive in fertile, rich soils. During their growth phase, mainly in spring and summer depending on the variety, apply liquid fertiliser approximately once a month. Cease applications during the dormant period.

Repotting

Repot once a year to change the substrate and renew nutrient supplies for your plant.

Maintenance

After flowering, leave the leaves of your Oxalis in place, as they allow the bulbs to store energy before the dormancy period. The foliage will naturally wither in autumn, and you can then remove it.

Wintering

Depending on the variety, some Oxalis are quite frost-sensitive and cannot tolerate cold at all. Depending on your region, you will need to winter your Oxalis by protecting them from frost. Place the pot in an unheated room and away from light.

Oxalis versicolor

For further reading

• Find all our Oxalis varieties.
• To learn everything, check out our sheet on Oxalis: how to plant, grow, and care for.