Kislitsa(Oxalis) from the Oxalidaceae family contains about 800 species of dwarf shrubs, annual grasses and perennials. Interestingly, it is the sorrel shamrock (and not the clover leaf) that is considered the unofficial symbol of Ireland. In Catholic countries, potted types of room acid, for which it is not at all difficult to organize care at home, are given as gifts for Christmas as often as a Christmas star is a poinsettia. In our country, many types of sour cherry are perfectly acclimatized and are often used by gardeners to decorate parks, squares and gardens. Very beautiful decorations in the form of pillows on lawns, miniature compositions in flower beds or on alpine slides can be formed from ground cover undersized plants. Border decorations from perennial oxalis, original ensembles in tubs along with other larger plants look spectacular.

But most people know oxalis due to the species common in our forests and meadows - Oxalis acetosella. This useful plant is often called by popular names - "cuckoo clover", "hare cabbage". When choosing to relax in nature, you probably came across a continuous cover of low-growing plants with trifoliate heart-shaped leaves. Due to the high content of ordinary ascorbic acid and oxalic acid in the acid, the taste of this edible plant is reminiscent of the taste of the fruit of a lemon tree.

Homemade oxalis:

At home, such decorative potted species as triangular oxalis (Oxalis triangularis, purple oxalis) or four-leaved oxalis (Oxalis tetraphylla) are grown. Caring for these types of oxalis is very simple and does not require experience in growing indoor plants.

- photo: K. triangular and K. four-leafed

Triangular oxalis (Oxalis triangularis)... The purple sour cherry has very beautiful velvety leaves with unique decorative qualities. A leaf blade in the form of butterfly wings is located on a long petiole. Due to the form of three-lobed leaves of purple or maroon color, this oxalis received another name - "Madame Butterfly". Small bell-shaped flowers of pinkish, cream or lilac color with five petals do not have high decorative value, but they look very impressive against the background of purple leaves. There is one interesting feature of purple sorrel, which is very much appreciated by lovers of indoor plants. With the onset of darkness or in cloudy weather, this oxalis folds its "wings" leaves and it seems that the plant has been chosen by a flock of resting exotic butterflies. In clear weather, the "butterflies" open up again. This violet oxalis is often used to form compositions from such flowering houseplants as the phalaenopsis or dendrobium orchid, cyclamen with butterfly flowers, homemade geranium pelargonium, bright ornamental violets of St. New Guinean.

Four-leaved oxalis (Oxalis tetraphylla, Depe's oxalis)... There are also popular names for this oxalis - "Lucky Clover" and "Iron Cross". It is often used to decorate a rock garden, flower beds and other decorative objects of landscape design, as well as for growing in gardens. But recently, this acid can be found on the windowsills of our rooms, as this unpretentious plant grows well at home. The four-lobed leaves of this light green bulbous perennial are decorated with a maroon spot in the middle. Crimson-red flowers are collected in a graceful inflorescence. Phytodesigners often choose acid sour when forming a green zone in the interior. A bright oxalis carpet looks interesting, which harmoniously complements hoya (wax ivy) on vertical supports, decorating walls or tall interior objects. Treelike and bushy houseplants such as Benjamin's or rubbery ficus, myrtle tree, indoor asparagus or potted thuja, shefflera with decorative leaves or chlorophytum with long leaves, dracaena Marginata or palm yucca can be added to the composition.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

The best options are the southwest and southeast sides of the premises. But on the north side, as well as on a flower stand in the back of the room, home oxalis will grow and develop quite normally. Ideal lighting is soft, diffused light. Protect the plant from direct sunlight by shading window glass on sunny summer days.

Temperature conditions.

In winter, a dormant period begins for home sour cherry. It is advisable to place the flower pot away from heating appliances. The optimum temperature during the winter rest period is 15-18 ° C. On warm days in spring and summer, you can take the plant out to the balcony or garden, put it in partial shade. The temperature in summer is 18-25 ° C.

Air humidity.

For growing indoor oxalis, both moderate and high humidity levels (40-60%) are quite suitable. During the rest period, it is impossible to spray acidic acid, but if the room is too dry, you can put a container of water next to the plant. In the summer, you can regularly spray the plant with warm, soft water.

Watering.

Water for irrigation - settled and warm. Water your home oxalis generously in the spring and summer to keep the soil from drying out. Dispose of all water running down into the sump. In the fall, gradually reduce the frequency of watering, water the plant sparingly. In winter, it is enough to water the sour cherry once a month and very poorly.

Dredging and fertilizing.

For planting sour cherry, you can purchase a universal mixture for indoor ornamental deciduous plants. But you can do it yourself by mixing in equal parts leafy soil, sod land, peat and coarse sand.

During the growing season, feed the plant with complex organo-mineral fertilizers once every two weeks.

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