How do you care 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.
What is the best soil for Oxalis triangularis?
Oxalis triangularis (purple shamrock plants) need rich, fertile soil that is well-draining. The best kind of porous potting mix should be a mixture of potting soil and peat.
How to care for purple shamrock Oxalis triangularis?
If after you water you notice the water remains on top of the soil, draining slowly, the mixture is too heavy and needs to be lightened. Oxalis Triangularis planted in a light potting mix with added vermiculite to improve drainage. For the best growth, place your Purple Shamrock in an indoor location that receives bright light.
How do you plant Oxalis triangularis in pots?
Oxalis Triangularis planted in a light potting mix with added vermiculite to improve drainage. For the best growth, place your Purple Shamrock in an indoor location that receives bright light. If indoor light conditions are too low, the plant’s growth won’t be as robust and it will have a tendency to become leggy.
How do you fertilize oxalis triangularis?
You should fertilize an Oxalis triangularis plant during the growing season only. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every one to two weeks. For best results, add the fertilizer to your regular watering routine when appropriate.
Does Oxalis need fertilizer?
Fertilize the oxalis monthly during the growing season using a water soluble houseplant fertilizer applied according to the directions on the container. Don't fertilize it during fall and winter. Give the oxalis plant a rest period when it begins to look droopy and wilted.
How do you feed Oxalis?
Feed your Oxalis once a month during spring and summer with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Oxalis are considered toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Oxalis is unique in that it stores energy underneath the soil in bulbs!
How do you increase oxalis triangularis?
Just poke the bulbs into the soil – any way up is right. Water lightly just once every couple of weeks until new growth appears. In about 6 weeks from planting, your new purple shamrocks will begin to appear, and will fill in to become lush and full soon after. Weekly watering should be light.
What is the best fertilizer for Oxalis?
For almost all oxalis you will want a fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 NPK ratio.
How do you make Oxalis bushy?
Move your plant to a sunnier location, with at least partial sun if you can, and it will respond by producing lusher growth and turn into a fuller plant. You should have this plant right in front of a window for best results.
How do I get my Oxalis to bloom?
They often bloom all winter if kept in a well-lit spot. The leaves of a Shamrock plant fold up at night and re-open when light returns. Keep the soil barely moist but never soggy and allow the top 2” of soil to dry out before watering.
How often do you water Oxalis?
every 1-2 weeksWater. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out halfway down between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
How do you revive a dying Oxalis?
If the plant is resting without a change in growing season, simply move it to the shade if possible. Continue to water lightly every week or so. Otherwise, let it be and wait for it to come back. As long as you keep the soil hydrated and keep it out of the bright sunlight, it will come back eventually.
Does Oxalis need full sun?
Keep barely moist when dormant. Outdoors, grow hardy woodland species in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade. Other hardy Oxalis species need full sun and well-drained, organic soil of moderate fertility.
Why is my purple Oxalis dying?
Forget to water it, temperature drops too low or its living conditions are generally poor, everything above the surface will wilt and die back to take refuge in the bulbs below. As soon as good conditions are restored the plant comes back to life incredibly quickly.
Why is my Oxalis not growing?
Oxalis will NOT grow well in overly wet soil but does like moist soil. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole. Pot: Oxalis pots need to be deep, shallow pots will not work well. Avoid growing them in a pot with other plants as they can go dormant and their growth requirements are different.
How do I get my Oxalis to bloom?
They often bloom all winter if kept in a well-lit spot. The leaves of a Shamrock plant fold up at night and re-open when light returns. Keep the soil barely moist but never soggy and allow the top 2” of soil to dry out before watering.
Why is my Oxalis plant dying?
Forget to water it, temperature drops too low or its living conditions are generally poor, everything above the surface will wilt and die back to take refuge in the bulbs below. As soon as good conditions are restored the plant comes back to life incredibly quickly.
How do you keep Oxalis from getting leggy?
3:276:48OXALIS DORMANCY / how to give your shamrock a haircut / ♀️☘️YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's really leggy it's like awful. I guess where I had it obviously was not getting enoughMoreAnd it's really leggy it's like awful. I guess where I had it obviously was not getting enough sunlight. So we're gonna keep it right where it is until it starts to come up.
What kind of soil does Oxalis like?
Plant oxalis where the soil is moist and well drained, but never soggy. Slightly acidic soil is best. Additionally, improve soil quality and drainage by digging in a little well-rotted manure or compost before planting.
How Much Light Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Needs?
Oxalis triangularis requires full sun to partial shade. If your plant becomes weak or leggy, move it to a location that receives more sunlight.
Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Like to Be Misted?
Oxalis triangularis plants do not require misting. Misting a false shamrock, however, is recommended in a particularly arid environment.
Are Oxalis Triangularis Plants Easy to Care For?
Oxalis triangularis plants are low-maintenance and some of the easiest houseplants to grow.
How Often Should You Water an Oxalis Triangularis Plant?
Oxalis triangularis plants should be watered every one to two weeks in the spring and summer and once every two to three weeks in the fall and winter.
Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Go Through a Natural Period of Dormancy Each Year?
Oxalis triangularis plants enter an annual period of dormancy that lasts from fall to winter.
How to Grow and Care for Oxalis Triangularis (False Shamrock) Plants
If you’ve ever seen a floral display around St. Patrick’s Day, then you’ve likely seen an Oxalis triangularis plant in all its false shamrock glory. Although these plants are popular in March, they’re wonderful to grow any time of the year. Plus, they’re one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive.
Oxalis Triangularis Plant Care
Oxalis triangularis (false shamrock) can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Optimal temperatures range from 65F to 85F with moderate humidity. Flas shamrock is particularly sensitive to overwatering. Plant in a well-draining potting mix (neutral to acidic pH) and container.
All About Oxalis Triangularis Plants
Oxalis triangularis, commonly called false shamrock, belongs to the Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel) plant family. There are about 560 species of plants in the Oxalis genus, and Oxalis triangularis is one of the most popular thanks to its lovely purple foliage.
Oxalis Triangularis Meaning & Symbolism
Oxalis triangularis is primarily a symbol of luck both in eastern traditions like feng shui and in western cultural traditions like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
How to Grow Oxalis Triangularis Plants Indoors
Oxalis triangularis is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. It’s fairly low-maintenance, tolerant of a variety of conditions, and is great for beginners.
How to Care for Oxalis Triangularis Plants Indoors
Oxalis triangularis prefers even, constant moisture but is especially susceptible to root rot and damage from sitting in soggy soil. Be careful not to overwater your plant.
Common Problems With Oxalis Triangularis & How to Treat Them
Long, weak stems usually occur as a result of too little sunlight. Move your plant to a sunnier location or add a fluorescent lamp.
What causes Oxalis triangularis to grow?
Fungal diseases are the most common type of conditions that can affect the growth of your Oxalis triangularis (purple shamrock plants). What’s the most common cause of houseplant fungal diseases and poor growth? Over-watering.
How to keep oxalis leaves dark purple?
Protect the plant from too much direct sunlight, or you could get white spots on the leaves. But, plenty of light is needed to keep the leaves dark purple. Bright light also stimulates the leaves to open to create the clover or shamrock look. Purple oxalis plants can grow in low-light conditions.
How to propagate a purple oxalis shamrock?
To propagate a purple oxalis shamrock, this is what you should do: Wait until the plant dies back, and then you trim off any dead or brown foliage. Gently ease the purple shamrock from the container and remove the dirt from the bulbs. Divide the bulbs with your hand or use a sterilized knife.
What diseases can affect Oxalis triangularis?
Common Diseases and Pests that Affect Oxalis Triangularis. Like any type of houseplant, pests and disease can affect purple shamrock plants. The most common type of shamrock disease is root rot caused by over-watering. Most commonly, mealybugs and spider mites can damage your purple foliage plant.
How tall is Oxalis triangularis?
The Oxalis triangularis grows to about 20” (50 cm) tall and has a similar-sized spread. The purple leaves are formed by three triangle-shaped leaflets giving them the look of a butterfly—this is why the plant is also called a purple butterfly plant.
How to keep purple shamrock from destroying roots?
To avoid a fertilizer buildup damaging plant roots, flush the soil occasionally. To care for indoor plants by flushing the soil, this is what you should do: Take your purple shamrock plant to a sink or bath. Gently run water through the soil for two to three minutes to flush out excess mineral salts.
Oxalis Triangularis Watering Guide
A common theme with houseplants is that they often react poorly to being overwatered. It’s always better to miss a watering session than it is to add one. This one is much less resilient to overwatering than most houseplants though and you can end up killing it.
Light Requirements for Oxalis Triangularis
You want to place the Purple Shamrock in a location where it gets plenty of bright light. If it doesn’t get enough light, then its growth will suffer. It will become leggy rather than robust. If you see this happening, then move the plant to a brighter location.
Soil Requirements for the Oxalis Triangularis
Keep this plant away from heavy soils. The bulbs will rot and the plant will likely die if the soil is too heavy. You want to choice soil that drains easily and quickly.
Temperature Requirements for the Purple Shamrock
This plant thrives at room temperature which is one reason why it’s the perfect houseplant. However, it’s important to note that if your home gets over 75 degrees, then the plant will start to wilt.
Humidity Requirements for the Love Plant
Humidity requirements for the Oxalis Triangularis are fairly mild. This plant is not picky so you can grow it at average humidity levels.
Oxalis Triangularis Fertilizer Requirements
You will only need to feed the Purple Shamrock during the summer and spring months. Don’t worry about it during months when the plant will be dormant.
Caring For the Oxalis Triangularis
Purple shamrock is really low maintenance so just pinch away any dead foliage when you see it. This will be mostly during dormant months. That’s it.
Oxalis triangularis dormancy
Before we dive into the proper care of Oxalis triangularis, it is important to first discuss its dormancy period. Being aware of this crucial part of the plant’s life will give us a better understanding of why such proper care is important.
Oxalis triangularis care
The best rule to follow when it comes to watering your Oxalis triangularis is to touch the top inch of soil before you water it. If the soil is dry to the touch, water the plant, but if the soil is still a bit damp, wait a few days and check it again.
Oxalis triangularis propagation
You can divide a full plant into as many as four or more sections, with each section getting its own bulb.
Conclusion
Oxalis triangularis are quirky, photophilic little plants with beautifully purple leaves. They may look delicate and fragile, but if you know how to handle them properly, you will have no problem caring for them and propagating them.
4. How Do I Fertilize Oxalis?
If you want to fertilize oxalis there are several important tips you should follow:
5. When Should I Fertilize Oxalis?
When you should fertilize oxalis depends on the oxalis you grow (annual or perennial), when the oxalis blooms, and the fertilizer you use.
6. How Often Should I Fertilize My Oxalis?
How often you should fertilize your oxalis depends on the fertilizer and soil.
7. How Do I Know if My Oxalis Need Fertilizer?
You will know if your oxalis need fertilizer if you observe one of the following:
8. What Alternatives to Fertilizers Can I Apply to Oxalis?
If you do not want to use retail or commercial flower fertilizers then you can use the below alternatives. These alternatives will not only help your plant but the soil around it:
