Oxalis triangularis - ‘Purple Shamrock'

Looking for a charming and easy-to-grow houseplant that will add a pop of color to your home? Look no further than the Purple Shamrock!

With its strikingly large, triangular leaves that close at night and reopen with the morning sun, this plant is sure to catch the eye of anyone who enters your home. And while its leaves may look similar to clover, the Purple Shamrock is actually easier to grow as a houseplant!

This plant is also incredibly low-maintenance - it's tolerant of shady conditions and doesn't require much humidity. And when it comes to watering, simply soak the soil when the top inch is dry.

Whether you're looking to match a particular color scheme or stand out among your other houseplants, the Purple Shamrock is the perfect choice. Just be mindful that it can be considered invasive in some parts of the world when planted in the ground.

So why wait? Order your Purple Shamrock today and experience the beauty and ease of this stunning plant for yourself!

Available in 4.5-Inch Nursery Pot.

Ed's Plant Profile

• Taxonomy: Oxalis triangularis belongs to the family Oxalidaceae, which also includes other species of Oxalis, as well as the genus Biophytum. The plant is also sometimes classified under the synonym Oxalis regnellii.
• Common Name: Purple Shamrock  
• Ecology: Oxalis triangularis is a popular ornamental plant that is commonly grown indoors as a houseplant. Outdoors, it can be grown as a groundcover or as a border plant in mild climates. The plant is adapted to partial shade and well-drained soil, and it is tolerant of a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
• Native Range: Oxalis triangularis is native to Brazil and other parts of South America, but it is now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Morphology: Oxalis triangularis is a small, herbaceous plant that grows from a small bulb-like structure called a corm. The plant typically grows to about 6-12 inches in height and has trifoliate (three-parted) leaves that are green on the upper surface and purple on the lower surface. The leaves close at night and open again in the morning, a phenomenon known as nyctinasty. The plant produces small, pink or white flowers on long, thin stems, which bloom in late winter or early spring.
• Uses: In addition to its ornamental value, Oxalis triangularis has a long history of use in traditional medicine, where it has been used to treat a range of conditions, including fever, digestive problems, and skin infections. The plant is also used as a food source in some cultures, where the leaves are eaten raw or cooked.

Ed's Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright indirect light, tolerates partial shade 
• Water: Water once the top inch of soil is dry, water less in winter as they go dormant 
• Soil: Oxalis plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A good soil mix for Oxalis can be made by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. General purpose potting mix works great!
• Humidity: Thrives in a standard room humidity, which typically ranges from 40-60%. It is not a very demanding plant when it comes to humidity levels, and can tolerate fluctuations in humidity to some extent. However, it is important to avoid placing the plant in extremely dry or humid environments, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant. In general, maintaining a moderate level of humidity is sufficient for the health and growth of Oxalis triangularis.
• Temperature: The best temperature range for Oxalis triangularis (Purple Shamrock) is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it is important to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 40°F (4°C), which can cause damage or kill the plant. Similarly, high temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can cause stress and damage to the plant. So, keeping the plant in a temperature-controlled environment within this optimal range is ideal for its growth and health.
• Pruning: Inspect the plant for any dead, yellow or brown leaves, as well as any stems that are overgrown or leggy. Using a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, carefully cut off the dead or damaged leaves and stems as close to the base of the plant as possible. If you want to control the size and shape of the plant, you can also prune back any long or overgrown stems to encourage fuller growth. Take care not to remove too much foliage at once, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant. It's best to prune gradually over time, removing a few leaves or stems at a time until you achieve the desired shape and size. After pruning, be sure to discard any removed leaves or stems, and keep an eye on the plant over the next few days to ensure it is recovering well from the pruning process. By pruning your Purple Shamrock as needed, you can help to keep it looking healthy and attractive, while also promoting its overall growth and development.
• Feeding:  it is recommended to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula). Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce the frequency to once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter). Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before applying it to the soil, and avoid getting any on the leaves or stem, as this can cause burning. Alternatively, you can also use an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, which can be added to the soil as a top dressing or mixed in when repotting the plant. Overall, regular fertilization can help to promote healthy growth and enhance the plant's overall appearance, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burning or other damage.
• Propagation: Oxalis triangularis can be propagated through division of the bulbs or corms, or by stem cuttings.
• Pests: Few pest problems but look out for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 
• Toxicity: is edible, and its leaves have a slightly acidic taste that some people find appealing. In fact, it is commonly used in salads and other dishes as a garnish or flavoring agent. However, it's important to note that some species of Oxalis contain oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities. While the amount of oxalic acid in Purple Shamrock is generally considered safe for consumption in small amounts, it's still a good idea to exercise moderation and not consume large quantities of the plant. Additionally, if you are growing Purple Shamrock as an edible plant, be sure to avoid using any pesticides or chemicals on the plant, as these can be harmful if ingested.
• Fun Fact: Place outside to attract butterflies!