🌿 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
| Factor | Optimal Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light to moderate direct light (LED grow lights ideal) |
| Humidity | 50–80% Tolerates average room humidity, does not require high RH |
| Temperature | 18–26°C ideal Avoid prolonged temps below 10°C or above 30°C |
| Airflow | Moderate airflow required; avoid stagnant air to prevent fungal issues |
| Substrate | Fast-draining mix: coco peat + perlite + fine bark or sandy loam |
| Watering | Keep soil lightly moist, not wet Allow top 1–2 cm to dry between waterings |
📈 Growth Habit & Behavior
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed | Fast-growing in ideal conditions |
| Size | 5–15 cm tall, clumping ground cover |
| Runner Activity | Sends out underground stolons — can spread rapidly in substrate |
| Flowering | Bright yellow blooms, especially with good light exposure |
| Dormancy | May 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 Type | ✅ Yes / ❌ No | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Terrarium | ✅ If well-ventilated | Needs airflow & light; monitor for mold or overgrowth |
| Open Terrarium | ✅ | Excellent choice — thrives in moderate RH environments |
| High-Humidity Setup | ⚠️ With airflow | Risk of leaf spot/mildew if stagnant |
| With Mosses & Ferns | ⚠️ Competes quickly | Use barriers or prune aggressively |
⚠️ Watch For
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Leaf drop / dormancy | Natural cycle, low light, cold temps, or underwatering |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage |
| Mildew / leaf spot | High humidity + poor ventilation |
| Rapid takeover | Normal 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
| Category | Rating / Note |
|---|---|
| Ease of Care | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Easy, but needs containment) |
| Terrarium Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Great visual contrast, but fast grower) |
| Display Role | Accent / groundcover / contrast element |
| Special Notes | Monitor spread — this one plays to win 😈 |