Question
my oxalis deppei
Hi, we bought a pot of oxalis deppei about two weeks ago and now it starting to dry up. Is late winter in Japan and I'm not sure if the heater of the room kill it or what i have done wrong. i water it every day and now i leave it in the balcony out side the room.. kindly please advise what can i do to help the little fellow.. thank you.
AnswerHi Ann Phua,
Thanx for your question and greetings to Japan. Basically, this plant which is sold as the Good Luck Plant or shamrock in the United States, grows best in full to partial sun. Allow it to dry out somewhat in between watering. Fertilize with 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer according to the package directions but only when actively growing. The plant will go dormant and you can tell by the leaves dying back. Suspend watering and feeding but don't let the soil get completely dry. Move the pot to a cool, dark place for 1-3 months. By cool, I mean 8C or 9C, no more, no less. The plant is resting and its system requires this rest periodically otherwise, it will wear itself out and die. After 1-3 months, if you see new leaves begin to emerge, more the pot back to a warm, sunny location and begin watering and feeding again and it should come back. If after 3 months, it has not, you can try to induce it to come back. I hope this helps.
Tom
