Species false shamrock

false shamrock

Oxalis triangularis

Oxalis triangularis, or False Shamrock, is a great choice for an indoor houseplant. This low-growing perennial has attractive triangular-shaped foliage that comes in shades of red, pink, and purple. Each leaf can have up to three leaflets, with thin stems connecting them. The leaflets fold up at night, adding a unique charm to the plant. The False Shamrock produces small yellow flowers, and its blooms make an attractive addition to home decor. Care in the home is straightforward; the plant needs medium light and evenly moist soil for best results.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8

Flowers:

Showy, White, (pale pink to white) Flowers In Spring

Sun:

part sun/part shade,full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple,pink

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

False shamrock plants (Oxalis triangularis) require regular, consistent watering. Water the soil until it is evenly moist but not soggy; it should be moist enough to hold together when lightly squeezed. In spring and summer, water once a week, allowing the top 1 inch of soil to dry out in between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce the frequency of watering to once every 2 weeks, also allowing the top 1 inch of soil to dry out in between waterings. False shamrock plants like high humidity so spraying them with water from a mister, especially in very dry conditions, can be beneficial.

sunlight

Oxalis triangularis (false shamrock) does best in a sunny location. Allow it to receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for maximum growth and flowering. If placed in a less sunny area, the leaves and the flowering will be reduced but the plant will still live.

pruning

False shamrock is a low-maintenance plant, and does not require frequent pruning for optimal growth. To promote healthy foliage, the plant should be lightly pruned in late spring or early summer, as soon as flowering is finished. Using sharp gardening shears, deadhead any spent bloom stalks and trim back any overgrown stems. Pruning should be done incrementally, removing no more than 1/3 of the plant's growth at 1 time. It is not necessary to prune the plant regularly; instead, prune only when the plant appears to be overgrown.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Oxalis triangularis typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Oxalis triangularis typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Harvest Fruit

Oxalis triangularis is typically harvested from April to June.

Harvest Fruit

Oxalis triangularis is typically harvested from April to June.

Hardiness Map