How To Grow Purple Shamrock | How To Care For Oxalis Triangularis

 Oxalis Triangularis Overview

Oxalis triangularis is often referred to as "purple shamrocks. Oxalis triangularis are not Irish natives; however – instead, they hail from Brazil.

Oxalis is a variety of the wood sorrel group and is well known for being an invasive weed in most gardens. However, some types of Oxalis are perfectly well behaved and don't spread all over the places, such as the Oxalis Triangularis.

How To Grow Purple Shamrock


Oxalis are excellent houseplants because they come in a range of colors and sizes. They are SO prolific that they are considered to be weeds to greenhouse growers and gardeners. Some would go through a dormant phase in the winter if they were kept as a houseplant. 

The striking purple leaves stand out amongst green indoor plants, and it's also photophilic, which mean that the leaves open and close in response to light. At night the leaves fold down, and during the day, they will open up. 

Flowering

Many small trumpet-shaped blooms sitting over the leaves arrive during spring and summer, which you can expect to last a fair few weeks.

Oxalis triangularis Care

Light

Keep your Oxalis Triangularis in a filtered bright to medium light but away from direct sunlight. It grows well in the morning light (i.e., East window). It is fairly hard to burn since Oxalis grows outdoors; the glass in your windows will filter out a lot of the intensity of the light. However, it will grow best when it's away from direct sunlight. Take a look at some of the images at the bottom of this article for the lighting suggestions.

Temperature

Between 60 - 70°F (15 - 21°C) "no higher than 75°F - 24°C" seems to be the ideal temperatures during the day and no lower than about 55°F (13°C) during the night.

Humidity

Any humidity level will do. Average room humidity is fine.

Soil For Oxalis Triangularis

Oxalis triangularis performs well when grown in standard potting mixes that drain well. The bulbs or fibrous roots will rot if planted in soils that are too heavy and retain too much water.

For the best results, use a rich, lightweight potting mix with or without the addition of a slow-release fertilizer. The addition of fertilizer into the potting mix only means you will not have to worry about fertilizing as frequently as you would with mixes lacking the addition of the fertilizer.

WATERING 

When watering your Oxalis, keep the soil a bit moist and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. If your Oxalis is container-grown, it is recommended you drain the water from the bottom of the pot after watering. Too much water or poor drainage can cause root rot.

Once your plant has become dormant, it is best to stop watering the plant for about one month. When you notice new growth, you can resume your regular schedule.

Fertilizer

I don't find fertilizer necessary in new plants, but you could add every two months if the soil is older than a year. Premium potting mixes usually contain slow-release fertilizer for at least four months' worth.

Toxicity

Oxalis is classified as an edible plant. However, it's very bitter for humans. Oxalis is poisonous to cats and dogs if eaten.

PRUNING 

When foliage looks withered and begins to die off, this is probably a sign your plant is entering a normal dormant phase. After the foliage turns brown, you can remove the dead leaves and wait for the next growth phase. This could be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. When you begin to see new growth,  resume regular watering and feeding.

Repotting Oxalis Triangularis

The plant only requires repotting every few years to add fresh soil or create new plants from the additional offsets. Move up to a container that is one size larger if you aren't separating the offsets and are just refreshing the soil. The best time to repot is in winter during the plant's dormant stage.

Common Problems

SYMPTOM: Yellow leaves, mushy stems

CAUSE: Overwatered, root rot

SYMPTOM: Wilting brown leaves, crispy edges

CAUSE: Underwatered, low humidity 

SYMPTOM: No new growth

CAUSE: If the plant goes dormant, lightly fertilize and provide bright light and water

Pests

Slugs and snails may be a problem outdoors.

Diseases

Prone to rust diseases

How To Care For Oxalis Triangularis

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