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full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours) to bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well). As a South African fynbos plant, it is adapted to bright conditions and flowers best with plenty of direct sunlight. A south- or west-facing window works well indoors.Light
Water when the surface of the soil is dry; do not keep it consistently moist. During active growth, water regularly but allow the soil to dry between sessions. Once the plant enters dormancy and foliage dies back, reduce watering to almost nothing until new growth resumes. Overwatering is the primary cause of corm rot.Water
Average indoor humidity (25-49%) is sufficient. This is a plant from South Africa's semi-arid fynbos and does not need high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby). No misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) required.Humidity
Prefers daytime temperatures around 75 F (24 C) and nighttime around 64 F (18 C). It is not frost-hardy; bring it indoors or store the corms before freezing weather. Can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 8-10.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Oxalis flava plant

Finger Oxalis

Oxalis flava

Easy

Finger Oxalis is a low-growing South African bulb plant reaching about 3-12 inches tall, with attractive hand-shaped grey-green leaves that earned it the 'finger' name. In spring and early summer it produces bright butter-yellow flowers that open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. It grows from small corms and goes dormant after flowering, retreating underground until conditions are right again -- so do not worry when it disappears.

Care Guide

How to grow Finger Oxalis

Light

full sun (6 or more

Water

Water when the surface of

Humidity

25-49%

Temperature

Prefers daytime temperatures around 75

Soil

Well-draining potting mix for flowering

Propagation

Divide the corms during the dormant period.

Common Problems

Corm rot from overwatering or

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Oxalis is the only dicotyledonous genus known to produce true corms (compact, bulb-like underground storage organs), making it botanically unusual among the broad-leaved flowering plants.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Contains oxalic acid, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses in large amounts. Small nibbles cause mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset; significant ingestion can affect calcium levels and kidney function. The ASPCA lists Oxalis species as toxic to pets.

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