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Why Is My Oxalis Drooping – How To Resolve It?

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Because of their distinctive brightly colored leaves, oxalis plants are popular as houseplants. The majority of these plants have triangle-shaped leaves that fold at night and reopen in the morning. Throughout the year, these plants also produce lovely blossoms.

Although these fantastic plants are pretty simple to grow, tiny alterations in their growing conditions can induce droopiness of their foliage.

When the plant is droopy, the foliage appears drab and dead, as if it is about to die. So that might get you thinking: Is something wrong with my oxalis? Why is my oxalis drooping? What can I do in such a situation?

Let’s sit tight and find out the answer with a few minutes of reading!

Why Is My Oxalis Drooping
“Why is my purple oxalis drooping?” via Reddit

8 Reasons Why Your Oxalis Is Drooping

Oxalis plants have symmetrical leaves that look like folded papers linked to straight, tall stems. These leaves become flaccid, and the stems bow downwards in drooping oxalis. Oxalis plants can have droopy leaves for a variety of causes, including:

  1. Dormancy
  2. Improper watering
  3. Poor sunlight
  4. Low humidity
  5. Fast-draining potting mix
  6. Dusty leaves
  7. Distress
  8. Pest infestation

Solutions For Each Situation

1. Dormancy

You can either let your Oxalis plant grow naturally or forcefully revive it. A dormant Oxalis usually takes many weeks to three months to come back to life.

Reduce watering and let the soil dry between waterings if you want your plant to finish its dormancy naturally. Then, when new growth shows any signs, increase the frequency of watering once again.

However, if you want to revive it forcefully, remove all of its dead leaves and relocate the plant to a cool, dark location. This will promote new growth, and your oxalis will recover its good and energetic appearance.

2. Improper watering

Improper watering Why Is My Oxalis Drooping 2
via Reddit

The first step is to measure the moisture content of the soil.

Oxalis like somewhat moist circumstances and should be watered once every two weeks. Use your finger to test the top 2 inches of soil to see if it’s too dry or too damp.

The soil should be allowed to dry between waterings, but only the top 2 to 5cm of soil should be allowed to dry. If the soil seems particularly dry below a depth of one inch, your plant may be getting too little water.

If this is exactly the case, you should water your oxalis. If you test the soil and feel moist below an inch, you may have overwatered your plant. To get out of this situation, wait at least a week and let the top inch or 2 of soil completely dry out before deciding you water it again.

Since oxalis doesn’t have a high need for water, you should water them 2 or 3 times a month.

3. Insufficient sunlight

If your oxalis is drooping, move it to a well-lit area. This plant prefers direct yet bright sunlight. It should be placed near north or east-facing window. However, make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight since this might cause its leaves to burn.

4. Low humidity

Oxalis need 50% humidity or above to adequately transpire. If the indoor humidity level in your home is less than 50%, a humidifier should be used to raise it.

You may also set your Oxalis plant on a pebble tray to provide it with the moisture it requires. Your drooping oxalis will return to its healthy form in a week or less if the humidity is raised above 50%.

5. Fast-Draining Potting Mix

Water quickly drains through the drainage hole when oxalis is planted in a fast-draining potting mix, leaving no time for the roots to absorb enough water. Therefore, the water content of the leaves decreases, and the leaves become dull and droopy.

To make the best fast-draining potting mix for oxalis, use rich, healthy soil that drains well but not too rapidly. The optimal growing medium for oxalis is a mix of potting soil and peat moss.

6. Dusty Leaves

When dust builds upon the leaves, it prevents sunlight from being absorbed into the plant. It also disrupts the rate of transpiration. Both of these things contribute to leaf drooping.

So, the next time you wonder why your oxalis is drooping, take a glance at its leaves. If the leaves are dusty, wipe them down right away. We recommend that you wipe the leaves of your plants regularly to prevent dust or other minute particles from accumulating on them.

Take a sponge or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the leaves correctly, and then soak it with water. Then, wriggle the cloth or sponge and wipe the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.

7. Distress

Oxalis droops after being re-potted as a result of transplant shock. So, if you’ve recently re-potted your oxalis and it’s drooping, don’t panic; it’ll be upright in a few days.

So, how can you revive a wilting, drooping oxalis? All you have to do is wait and give it the proper care and attention. Keep your plant well-watered and in a well-lit location. Your oxalis will naturally recover from transplant shock and stop drooping.

8. Pest inspection

If you notice any pests on your oxalis, spray it with insecticide or wipe it with neem oil or rubbing alcohol. These will keep pests under control. Repeat this technique every three days until all of the pests have been exterminated.

>> Related Post: 39 of the Cutest, Small Indoor Plants You Can Grow in Any Season


Final Thoughts

From this article on “why is my oxalis drooping?”, we can see this is a common issue for oxalis owners.

It happens due to small mistakes, such as improper watering, poor soil, poor sunlight, dusty leaves, low humidity, or pest infestation. So pay close attention to your Oxalis plant, you will find out the causes of its matter soon.

We’ve already provided you with a solution for each reason. Therefore, make sure to check out thoroughly if this problem ever happens to your oxalis.

If you love what we have to offer, make sure to visit our website every day to learn how to properly take care of plants and flowers in your lovely garden!