Golden Oxalis, known botanically as Oxalis spiralis ssp. vulcanicola, is admired for its vibrant foliage and delicate blooms. Cultivars like ‘Zinfandel’ or ‘Copper Glow’ offer bright, eye-catching leaves. Its cheerful appearance makes it a popular choice for enhancing indoor spaces or garden displays.
Understanding Golden Oxalis
Golden Oxalis features distinctive golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage, which can also present in shades of copper, orange, or even a deep plum-purple in certain cultivars like ‘Zinfandel’. The leaves are typically clover-like, often triangular or heart-shaped, and display nyctinastic movement, folding inward at night. Small, five-petaled flowers, usually yellow, emerge intermittently on slender, sometimes reddish, stems. Blooms can appear year-round in mild climates.
This plant exhibits a mounding or trailing growth habit. It reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and can spread between 10 to 18 inches wide. Golden Oxalis belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, also known as the wood sorrel family. It originates from the montane forests of Central and South America, including regions from El Salvador to Panama.
Cultivating Golden Oxalis
Golden Oxalis thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight, particularly in hotter climates, can lead to leaf scorching or dulling of the vibrant foliage color. Providing a few hours of morning sun can enhance the richness and vibrancy of its leaves without causing damage.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. During dormancy, typically in winter, reduce watering significantly. Well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, is ideal. A potting mix that includes perlite or coco coir ensures proper drainage.
Temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15-24°C) are preferred for Golden Oxalis, though some varieties can tolerate up to 85°F. The plant is sensitive to frost; foliage may die back below 50°F. While it tolerates average household humidity levels (around 40-60%), maintaining higher humidity promotes vigorous growth. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a monthly application of a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) is recommended. Fertilization should be withheld during dormancy.
Managing Golden Oxalis
Golden Oxalis can be effectively propagated through the division of its tubers, rhizomes, or corms, or through stem cuttings. The plant forms a mounding or trailing habit, making it suitable for containers or as a groundcover. Some cultivars, such as Oxalis spiralis ‘Aurea’ and ‘Zinfandel’, are noted for their non-invasive nature and tidy shape. Regular pruning helps manage its size and shape. If the plant becomes leggy due to insufficient light, stems can be trimmed to encourage fuller growth.
Like all Oxalis species, Golden Oxalis contains oxalic acid. While the leaves have a tangy, lemony flavor and are edible in small quantities, consuming large amounts can be problematic due to the oxalic acid interfering with calcium absorption. Golden Oxalis is toxic to pets, including cats, dogs, and horses, if ingested. The oxalate crystals can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, kidney issues. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and young children.