Oxalis plants are grown as houseplants due to their unique vibrant-colored leaves. Most of these plants have triangle-shaped leaves that fold at night and open back in the morning. These plants also produce beautiful blooms throughout the year. Although these remarkable plants are super easy to grow, some minor changes in their growing conditions can cause droopiness of their foliage. When the plant is droopy, its foliage appears dull and lifeless, as if it will die anytime. So one can think, what am I doing wrong? Why is my Oxalis drooping? What can be done in such a situation?
Let us answer all these questions for you.
Contents
Why is My Oxalis Drooping?
Oxalis plants have symmetrical leaves that appear as if folded papers are attached to straight and erect stems. In droopy oxalis, these leaves become flaccid, and the stems bow downwards. Oxalis plants can have droopy foliage due to the following reasons:
- Dormancy
- Improper watering
- Poor sunlight
- Low humidity
- Fast-draining potting mix
- Dusty leaves
- Transplant shock
- Pest infestation
Due to Dormancy
This plant goes dormant in the summers. So if your Oxalis is drooping in summers, it can be due to its dormant stage. But how can one be sure if the actual reason is dormancy and nothing else?
Look at the changing leaves. If the leaves are brown and the plant is drooping, it means the plant is actually in dormancy. But if the leaves are still colorful, the problem is something else.
How Can You Revive a Dormant Oxalis?
You can either let the plant come back to life naturally or revive it forcefully. Normally, a dormant Oxalis takes some weeks to three months to come back to life. If you want your plant to complete its dormancy naturally, cut back its watering and let the soil dry between waterings. And when the new growth appears, increase its watering frequency again.
But if you want to revive it forcefully, prune all its dead foliage, and move the plant to a cold, dark spot. This will encourage new growth, and your Oxalis will become upright and lively again.
Improper Watering
Underwatering or overwatering are two common reasons that lead to drooping Oxalis. To pinpoint the main reason, you need to check the moisture level of the soil.
Insert a stick or your finger to 2 inches below the soil. If the soil is damp and moist, it means you have been overwatering your plant. And if the soil is dry below 1 inch, it means you have not been watering the plant enough.
No matter what watering schedule you follow, you should allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. This will prevent overwatering.
Checking the texture of leaves is another way of checking if the Oxalis is drooping due to overwatering or underwatering. Wilted and dry leaves indicate underwatering issues, while wilted and soft leaves indicate an overwatering issue.
How Much Water Does an Oxalis Plant Need?
This plant does not need frequent watering. It should be watered once every 1 to 2 weeks. This means you have to water it just 2 to 3 times a month.
Oxalis Drooping Due to Insufficient Sunlight
Plants need proper sunlight exposure to carry out photosynthesis. When their foliage does not receive sufficient sunlight, the photosynthesis rate decreases, and the plant becomes dull. In the same way, when Oxalis does not receive proper sunlight exposure, its foliage becomes droopy. So the next time you wonder why is my Oxalis drooping, pay attention to its sunlight exposure.
Where to Place Your Drooping Oxalis?
Relocate your Oxalis to a brightly lit spot if it is drooping. This plant prefers bright but indirect sunlight. You should place it near the north or east-facing window. But make sure it is not getting any direct sunlight because the direct sun can burn its leaves.
Low Humidity
Low humidity is also the answer to the commonly asked question: why is my Oxalis drooping? When an Oxalis plant is placed in low humidity, its leaves transpire at a faster rate. The water is transpired from the leaves faster than it is being absorbed by the roots. So the leaves become dull and flaccid.
What Is the Ideal Humidity for Oxalis?
Oxalis needs 50% or higher humidity to transpire properly. If the indoor humidity level in your home is lower than 50%, you should use a humidifier to increase it. You can also place your Oxalis plant on a pebble tray to provide it with the necessary moisture level. Once the humidity is set above 50%, your drooping Oxalis will return to its healthy form in a week or less.
Oxalis Drooping Due to Fast-Draining Potting Mix
When Oxalis is planted in a fast-draining potting mix, water drains through the drainage hole quickly, leaving no time for the roots to absorb enough water. This leads to less water content in leaves, so leaves become dull and droopy.
What Is the Best Potting Mix for Oxalis?
You should use rich and fertile soil for Oxalis that drains well but not too quickly. A mixture of potting soil and peat moss acts as the best growing medium for Oxalis.
Oxalis Drooping Due to Dusty Leaves
If dust accumulates on the leaves, it blocks the absorption of sunlight. It also disrupts the transpiration rate. Both these factors lead to the drooping of foliage. So the next time you are thinking about why is my Oxalis drooping, take a look at its leaves. If the leaves are dusty, wipe them immediately. We recommend you wipe the leaves of your plants from time to time so that dust or any small particles do not accumulate on them.
How Can You Wipe the Leaves Correctly?
Take a sponge or a soft microfiber cloth and dip it in water. Wriggle the cloth or sponge and wipe the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves with it.
Due to Distress
Oxalis also droops after being re-potted due to the transplant shock. So if you have recently re-potted your Oxalis and it is drooping, then do not worry; it will become upright again in some days.
How to Revive a Distressed Drooping Oxalis?
You just have to wait and give it proper care and attention. Water your plant well and keep it in a well-lit spot. Your Oxalis will come out of transplant shock naturally and stop drooping.
Pest Infestation
It is the least common factor for causing drooping foliage, but it is still a potential cause. If you are doing everything right, but your Oxalis has droopy foliage, it can be a pest infestation. Pests suck sap and other fluids from the leaves, leaving the foliage dull and limp. So if your Oxalis has droopy foliage, look for any pests on the leaves or their undersides.
How to Free Your Plant From Pests and Insects?
If you spot any pests on your Oxalis, spray its foliage with an insecticide or rub the foliage with neem oil or rubbing alcohol. These will keep the pests away. Repeat this procedure after every 3 days until all the pests are gone.
Final Thoughts
Oxalis is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to grow indoors, but it is susceptible to droopy foliage. Many people who own an Oxalis are often seen asking the same question: why is my Oxalis drooping?
It happens due to several minor mistakes, such as improper watering, poor soil, poor sunlight, dusty leaves, low humidity, or pest infestation. Oxalis plants can also have droopy foliage due to some natural causes.
But if you know how to deal with each of these issues, you can easily revive your plant like a pro!