Oxalis

Oxalis triangularisAlso known as: Purple Shamrock, False Shamrock, Love Plant

Oxalis triangularis, commonly known as Purple Shamrock, is a stunning bulbous plant with triangular purple leaves that fold closed at night like butterflies. Native to Brazil, it grows 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and produces delicate white or pink flowers. The leaves move in response to light, creating a dynamic display.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
55-80°F (13-27°C)

Ideal Temp
68°F (20°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 7-10 days, keep soil lightly moist
Summer	Every 5-7 days during active growth
Fall	Every 7-10 days
Winter	Sparingly if dormant, normally if still active

Prefers consistent moisture but not soggy soil. May go dormant and die back - this is normal.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	1-2 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Not needed if dormant

Appreciates moderate humidity but adapts to average home conditions.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Summer	Every 2-3 weeks during growth
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing if dormant

Feed during active growth only. Stop if plant goes dormant.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove spent flowers and dead leaves

Best Season: Any time

Cut flower stalks after blooming. If plant goes dormant, let foliage die back naturally.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Best Season: Spring, when emerging from dormancy

Can divide bulbs when repotting. Use standard well-draining potting mix. Don't plant bulbs too deep.

Flowering

Season
Spring through fall during active growth

Color
White to light pink trumpet-shaped flowers

Clusters of delicate flowers on thin stems above the foliage. Blooms repeatedly when happy.

Propagation Methods

Divide bulbs during repotting
Plant bulbs 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep
New plants from bulb division grow quickly

Common Problems

Plant dying back: Often normal dormancy - stop watering and wait
Leggy growth: Insufficient light
Pale leaves: Too much direct sun or nutrient deficiency
No flowers: Needs more light

Pro Tips

Leaves fold at night and in low light - this is normal behavior
May go dormant for 2-4 weeks, especially in summer - don't throw it away!
During dormancy, stop watering and move to cool, dark spot
Highly rewarding plant with minimal care requirements

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