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🌿 Oxalis spiralis volcanicola ‘Zinfandel’ – Terrarium Care Sheet

A striking cultivar with deep purple-black clover-like foliage and lemon-yellow blooms. Excellent for colour contrast in high-light terrariums — but requires careful control to avoid takeover.
 

🔧 Environmental Parameters

FactorOptimal Range / Notes
LightBright indirect light to moderate direct light
(LED grow lights ideal)
Humidity50–80%
Tolerates average room humidity, does not require high RH
Temperature18–26°C ideal
Avoid prolonged temps below 10°C or above 30°C
AirflowModerate airflow required; avoid stagnant air to prevent fungal issues
SubstrateFast-draining mix: coco peat + perlite + fine bark or sandy loam
WateringKeep soil lightly moist, not wet
Allow top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings


📈 Growth Habit & Behavior

TraitDetails
Growth SpeedFast-growing in ideal conditions
Size5–15 cm tall, clumping ground cover
Runner ActivitySends out underground stolons — can spread rapidly in substrate
FloweringBright yellow blooms, especially with good light exposure
DormancyMay enter dormancy if conditions dry or cool — leaves die back naturally


✂️ Pruning & Management

  • Trim regularly to prevent it from crowding out slower-growing terrarium species.

  • Remove faded leaves and flowers to encourage tidy, compact growth.

  • If dormancy occurs, reduce watering significantly until new growth emerges.
     

🌟 Terrarium Suitability

Terrarium TypeYes / ❌ NoNotes
Closed TerrariumIf well-ventilatedNeeds airflow & light; monitor for mold or overgrowth
Open TerrariumExcellent choice — thrives in moderate RH environments
High-Humidity Setup⚠️ With airflowRisk of leaf spot/mildew if stagnant
With Mosses & Ferns⚠️ Competes quicklyUse barriers or prune aggressively

⚠️ Watch For

SymptomPossible Cause
Leaf drop / dormancyNatural cycle, low light, cold temps, or underwatering
Yellowing leavesOverwatering or poor drainage
Mildew / leaf spotHigh humidity + poor ventilation
Rapid takeoverNormal for species — prune or divide regularly

🧪 Bonus Notes (Cultivation / Propagation)

  • Propagates by bulbils and stolons — easy to divide manually.

  • Can be tissue cultured, though usually propagated vegetatively.

  • Highly responsive to light levels — brighter = more compact and colourful.
     

✅ Summary

CategoryRating / Note
Ease of Care⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Easy, but needs containment)
Terrarium Use⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Great visual contrast, but fast grower)
Display RoleAccent / groundcover / contrast element
Special NotesMonitor spread — this one plays to win 😈

Oxalis spiralis volcanicola ‘Zinfandel’ plug

R75.00Price
Quantity
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    All pictures are just for demonstrative purposes.

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