Oxalis

Oxalis Care

Oxalis triangularis

What is the plant

Oxalis triangularis, or false shamrock, belongs to the genus of herbaceous annuals and perennials of the family Oxalis. There are over 800 species on the planet, with the majority of them found in South Africa, South America, and Mexico, as well as in Europe.

False shamrock leaves are trifoliate or finger-shaped, attached to the stem by a petiole. They have a complicated limb that shuts in the evening and opens in the morning. Too much light and mechanical stimulation cause the leaves to respond.

Depending on the species, Oxalis triangularis leaves can be green, purple, or burgundy in color. Its blooms are tiny and regular, with white, pink, purple, or yellow petal colors. Flowers close at night or before the rain, much like the plant's leaves.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

12°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

8a - 9b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Invasive

Weed

How to Care for the Plant

Water
False shamrock requires a lot of water, but you should keep the soil only slightly moist. The roots may rot if the water stays in the container for too long. With the arrival of fall, begin watering the plant less frequently and limit it to soft moistening of the soil in the winter.
Pruning
Oxalis triangularis does not need pruning. Only the removal of dried leaves and flowers is required.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers should be fed during the vegetative and blooming stages of the plant. Choose those that are universally suitable for both decorative and deciduous indoor plants. To avoid burning the fragile roots, use half the dosage. Pay attention to the fertilizer content. The shrub will be lush and dense if the nitrogen component dominates, but blooming will be limited.

Oxalis triangularis will bloom brighter and longer if the top treatment contains more phosphate and potassium. Make a decision on what you want to achieve. In any case, two monthly top dressings are sufficient.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
An indoor Oxalis triangularis will do great in bright indirect sunlight. It can also perfectly handle some direct sunlight. The best place for your false shamrock is in front of east or west facing windows.
Soil
Oxalis triangularis can be grown in pre-mixed all-purpose soil for decorative indoor plants with neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) or mild (pH 5.0-6.0) acidity.

If you're going to make your own soil, use the following ingredients: leaf soil, soddy soil, peat, humus, sand. A loose texture is ideal.
Propagation
False shamrock reproduces mostly by tubers. Tubers grow near the old rhizome in an adult plant. To propagate Oxalis triangularis, wait till the growing season (spring-summer) and replant the corms into well-draining soil. You can also reproduce your plant via division of roots or by seeds.

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Temperature
An indoor Oxalis triangularis needs a temperature of 68-77°F (20-25°C) in the summer. The temperature should be reduced somewhat in the winter, to 55-65°F (12-18°C), otherwise the plant will not bloom.
Container
Oxalis triangularis has a superficial root system. As a result, pick a container that is not too deep but broad enough for the roots to develop. It's also not a good idea to use a completely flat container – the leaves will end up lying on the windowsill, you may not want this kind of mess. Ceramic pot is preferable, as this material allows moisture and air to travel through easily.
Fun fact
In Latin, "oxys" means "sour", and leaves of Oxalis triangularis really do have a sour taste.

Clover, a distant relative of false shamrock, is the national symbol of Ireland and the plant of St. Patrick.