Oxalis Fire Fern (also known as Oxalis hedysaroides 'Rubra') is native to Columbia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
This compact evergreen plant is most commonly used as a houseplant, although it can be grown as a tender perennial outdoors in zones 8-10.
Oxalis Fire Fern is an upright bushing variety which grows 6-12 inches tall and only 6-12 inches wide, unlike the spreading Oxalis Golden which can spread 12-24 inches wide.
Rubas's deep maroon-red leaves are evergreen and its dainty yellow flowers are everblooming. Oxalis Fire Fern is a unique, compact plant for year-round color on a sunny windowsill.
Oxalis Fire Fern Selling Tips
Sell Oxalis Fire Fern to your customers who are looking for unique, easy to maintain houseplants. In warmer climates (zones 8-11), offer Oxalis Fire Fern as an interesting, colorful addition to outdoor mixed containers and borders. Any customer who enjoys growing houseplants will love Oxalis Fire Fern for its stunning maroon evergreen foliage, year-round flowering, and easy care. Pair with
Oxalis Golden for a stunning display of indoor color year round.
Coach your customer:
- Use this Fire Fern to add annual color to their flowerbeds or for perinnial flare to indoor areas.
- Remind them that this Oxalis is sterile and will not take over like the Oxalis weeds they are used to seeing.
- Make sure to allow the soil to dry between waterings and keep these plants in the full sun for best color.
- Light feeding of 1/4 teaspoon of balanced fertilizer per gallon of water one time a month will keep Fire Fern happy.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Oxalis Fire Fern, use
well-drained soil in full sun with light feed (100-150 PPM) and a pH of 5.8-6.2. Plant one starter plant per 4 inch pot. You may see mealy bug if Oxalis Fire Fern is placed near another infested plant and they can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered, too cold, or doesn't get enough sun. Oxalis Fire Fern is slightly more challenging to grow than
Oxalis Golden, requiring warmer, sunnier conditions. It is also more susceptible to root rot diseases.
Flowering
Oxalis Fire Fern is everblooming.
Pinching
Oxalis Fire Fern does not require pinching.
Spacing
Space containers for airflow. In landscape applications, space plants 8-10 inches apart.
Height Control
Oxalis Fire Fern does not tend to stretch tall.
Pests
You may see mealy bugs if Oxalis Fire Fern is placed near another infected plant. Mealy bugs can be mitigated by dabbing the insects with isopropyl alcohol.
Disease
You may see root rot diseases with Oxalis Fire Fern, especially if it is overwatered, too cold, or doesn't get enough sun. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry between waterings, maintain temperatures above 60 degrees F, and keep in full sunlight.
Planting Oxalis Fire Fern Liners
- We recommend planting one starter plant per 4 inch pot.
- Plant in the middle of the container and be sure to completely cover the ellepot with soil.
- Use well-drained soil.
- Pinching is not required.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Oxalis Fire Fern Quick Reference Guide
4 Inch crop time | 4-6 Weeks |
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10 Inch crop time | 8-10 Weeks |
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Bloom Period | Everblooming |
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Color | Yellow |
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Habit | Upright/Mounding |
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Height | 6-12 Inches |
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Light | Full to Partial Sun |
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Minimum Temp | 60 |
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Perennial Zone | 8-10 |
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Water Needs | Light |
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