The only oxalis that does relatively well indoors are the Triangularis.
All others will etiolate. You can se a few etiolated oxalis at the end of this page.
An oxalis friend from Germany explained that they do this because normal window glass stops ultraviolet rays from penetrating.
Recently I have experienced that many species will etiolate if they do not receive a bit of direct sun during the day.
Except for Tetraphylla "Iron Cross", they were grown indoors as there were heating problems in the greenhouse.
Oxalis with bulbs, rhizomes and tubers should have a dormant period of two - four months. As lack of dormancy can cause stress resulting in bloom failure and weak plants.
Summer growers should have a dormant period in the winter, whereas winter growers should have it in the summer. Very obvious isn`t it ;o).
If the bulbs are immature or small, the dormant period should only be one or one and a half months. I have experienced that they can dry up completely if they are dormant too long.
Oxalis will often let you know when itis ready to go dormant, it will look real sorry for it selv, no matter what you do.
If you have many of the summer and winter growers, the best thing would be to plan the dormant and following growing period.
Then these periods can overlap to suit your environment, but remember it depends on how the oxalis is doing.
To start the dormant period, the only thing you have to do is water less and stop completely after a few weeks. Some collectors remove the bulbs from the pots and store them in paper bags or small nets.
While others, myself included, let the bulbs stay in the pots. Store them in a cool and dry place.
It is important;
* That you plant the bulbs, rhizomes or
tuber immediately if they start to sprout.
* That you do not cut the yellowing leaves, as the bulbs
in this stage are drawing in nourishment from them.
This is essential for the bulbs, as they will need the
store energy to get bigger and use it in the following
growing season.
* That you do not start the dormant period if the
oxalis is in bloom. This means that the growing cycle
is not finished and can cause stress or plant loss.
Bear in mind that Triangularis blooms year round,
but as it often does it in cycles, start when it has less
or no flowers.
Tetraphylla "Iron Cross". Grown out side in a sunny position.
Etiolation can be seen in the back, were it did not get direct sun.
The same has happened with other species, except Triangularis and Woodlands.