Why Do The Leaves Of My Oxalis Turning Yellow?

Are the leaves turning yellow in patches or spots?

Are there yellow spots that later turn brown in the center?

Are the leaves mottled, yellow?

Have you been watering excessively or is your oxalis planted in compacted soil?

Are there any insect pests present on the leaves?

Does your oxalis goes through a dormancy period?

There are several fungal leaf spots reported on oxalis. Most fungal leaf spots such as these are favored by conditions that keep leaves wet for extended periods of time. Space plants to allow for good air circulation. Remove and destroy infected leaves on the plant and fallen leaves.

Viruses are the worst-case scenario for any plant, as they are incurable. Sometimes pests will attack the plant, spreading a virus. You can trigger dieback and remove all the foliage above the soil. However if you really have a virus problem when the new bulbs spring back to life the markings will come back too.

Sun damage can cause yellow to white spots on the leaves. These spots can typically be quite crusty and crumble away when touched. Avoid putting your purple shamrock in direct sunlight.

One reason why your plant's leaves may turn yellow is because of overwatering. An oxalis grows best in rich, slightly moist, well-drained soil. Yellowing sometimes occurs when the plant's soil does not drain properly. A container housing an oxalis should have holes in its bottom to allow water to drain freely. Overly wet soil can damage the plant's roots, making it much harder for them to absorb nutrients the plant needs.

Some sap-sucking insects like aphids can cause discoloration in purple shamrocks. Check for the symptoms of these pests and control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Some oxalis plants go through a dormant period. Oxalis species that grow from bulbs need a period of rest before they can bloom again. Before or during dormancy, their foliage turns yellow as it returns nutrients to the bulbs, making the plants look rather ill. That can happen up to three times each year. When it happens to your oxalis, stop watering the plant, and wait until its leaves drop off or turn completely brown. Then remove the leaves, and put the oxalis in a cool, dark location for about three months.

As oxalis leaves mature, they turn yellow. That change can happen on annuals as they reach the end of their life cycle and on perennials as they age. Usually, it's the low, large leaves that turn yellow. When yellowing happens to your oxalis' leaves, simply pluck them off the plant; they should pull away easily. Removing the yellow leaves will improve the plant's appearance and reduce crowded conditions among its remaining leaves.