The ‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ (Oxalis vulcanicola ‘Molten Lava’) is a popular plant known for its vibrant foliage and easy-care nature. Its common name aptly describes the fiery hues of its leaves. It adds a striking splash of color to indoor and outdoor settings, often grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as groundcover.
Distinctive Features of Molten Lava Oxalis
‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ has fan-shaped, compound leaves that display colors from chartreuse to orange, red, and bronze. Color intensity varies with light and temperature; sunnier conditions enhance orange and red tones. Yellow tubular flowers emerge from late spring through summer, contrasting with the striking foliage. Its leaves exhibit nyctinastic movement, folding downwards at night or in low light and reopening when light returns.
Molten Lava Oxalis Care
Light Needs
‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain intense foliage coloration. While it tolerates partial sun, direct, harsh sunlight, especially in hotter climates, can lead to leaf scorch and faded colors. Insufficient light may cause greener foliage and leggy growth. Place it near a south or west-facing window for suitable conditions, or provide semi-shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering Practices
Maintain consistent soil moisture for ‘Molten Lava Oxalis’, avoiding waterlogging to prevent bulb root rot. The plant prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from watering about twice a week. Before watering, check the top 2-3 inches of soil to ensure it has dried out slightly. If grown indoors, regular misting can increase humidity.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is important for ‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ to prevent water from sitting around its bulbs. A general, store-bought potting mix is suitable. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5).
Temperature and Humidity
‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ grows best in moderate temperatures, ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C). Protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and cold drafts. It appreciates higher humidity levels, between 40-70%. In drier indoor environments, increase humidity through regular misting or by placing it near a humidifier.
Fertilization
‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ is a light feeder. During its active growing season, apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength once every couple of months. Reduce or cease fertilization entirely during the plant’s winter dormancy period.
Managing Dormancy
‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ can enter a dormancy period, typically in winter or during environmental stress. During this phase, the foliage may die back. When dormancy begins, significantly reduce watering and move the plant to a cooler, frost-free location. Allow the bulbs to rest for 2-3 weeks without water. To encourage re-emergence, resume watering, and the plant should regrow.
Propagating Molten Lava Oxalis
Propagating ‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ is primarily done by dividing its bulbs (rhizomes). The dormant period is ideal for this. Unpot the plant and gently separate the bulbs. Plant these separated bulbs about 1.5 inches deep in well-draining soil. Water generously after replanting, and new sprouts should emerge within weeks. Cuttings can also be rooted in moist, well-draining soil with warmth and indirect light.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Wilting in ‘Molten Lava Oxalis’ indicates under- or overwatering; consistently moist, but not soggy, soil is preferred. Yellowing leaves suggest nutrient deficiencies or excessive fertilization. If fertilizer burn is suspected, flush the soil with lukewarm water. Leggy growth points to insufficient light, causing the plant to stretch. Ensure bright, indirect light for a compact form. While generally not prone to severe pest issues, mealybugs, whiteflies, and fungus gnats can occasionally affect Oxalis. Solutions include manual removal for mealybugs, sticky traps for whiteflies and fungus gnats, or allowing soil to dry between waterings for fungus gnats.