Oxalis Triangularis 'Purple Shamrock'
Oxalis Triangularis 'Purple Shamrock'
🌿 Botanical Name: Oxalis triangularis
💧 Care Level: Easy. The Purple Shamrock is relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
📏 Size: Typically grows to about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height and spread.
☀️ Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light levels. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, while too little light may result in leggy growth and less vibrant leaf color.
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Oxalis triangularis prefers evenly moist soil but is drought-tolerant and can forgive occasional under-watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
💦 Humidity: Average room humidity is adequate. This plant is not particularly demanding regarding humidity levels.
🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Protect it from extreme cold and avoid placing it in drafts.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A general-purpose potting soil mixed with perlite or sand to enhance drainage works well.
🌱 Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows.
🔄 Pruning: Pruning is generally not required, except for removing spent flowers or trimming away dead and dying foliage to encourage healthy growth.
🍃 Pests and Diseases: Oxalis triangularis is relatively pest-free but watch for common houseplant pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Good cultural practices usually keep pests and diseases at bay.
Propagation: Easily propagated by dividing the rhizomes or from bulbils that form in the pot. Division is best done in the spring or early summer. Separate the bulbs and plant them in fresh potting mix, keeping the soil lightly moist until new growth appears.
Dormancy: Note that Oxalis triangularis may go through a period of dormancy, usually in late fall or winter, when it dies back to the ground. During this time, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out more than usual, and stop fertilizing. With proper care, the plant will regrow when conditions are favorable, typically in the spring.