False shamrock, purple shamrock, love plant, and wood sorrel are some of the common names for the Oxalis triangularis. With triangle-shaped leaves that grow in clusters of three like a three-leaf clover, its foliage is typically dark purple presenting a striking contrast to other green-hued plants.
With origins in South America, the oxalis triangularis is nyctinastic – its leaves close when it’s dark or cloudy and re-open in daylight. These are plants that grow from bulbs, instead of seeds.
An oxalis is a good option for beginner plant owners due to its low maintenance requirements. Placing it in a location in your home that gets bright light and watering it sufficiently, are a few of the care tips that will support your plant to flourish.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Botanical name | Oxalis triangularis |
| Light | Bright light |
| Water | Water regularly before plant reaches maturity; once mature, water when the top part of the soil is dry |
| Potting Soil | Well-draining |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people and pets |
Basic care tips
Light Requirements
As previously outlined, place your oxalis in a spot that gets bright light. If you’ve opted to put your plant near a window, southern or eastern exposure is best.
Additionally, you’ll want to rotate your plant bi-weekly to ensure equal growth.
This is not a plant that will tolerate low light. If you notice your plant becoming leggy, this is an indication that it’s not getting enough light.
Watering Needs
If your plant has not yet reached maturity, the soil must remain slightly moist, to encourage growth.
When your plant reaches maturity, it can withstand a longer period without water. So, as a rule of thumb, water your mature oxalis when the top portion of the soil is dry. Test the soil by putting your finger in the potting soil to determine if the top part is dry.
A mature oxalis is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall and 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) wide.
Soil Requirements
Potting soil that drains well is best for this plant. So, in effect, you’ll be safe using any well-draining potting mix.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 °F and 75 °F (18 °C and 24 °C).
Average humidity levels between 30% and 50% are best for your oxalis plant.
Fertilizing Needs
During the growing season, use either a liquid or slow-release fertilizer every 4 to 8 weeks.
Now, there are some potting mixes comprising slow-release fertilizer. If you’re using this type of potting soil, it will feed your plant for up to three months, in which case there would be no need to add fertilizer during this time.
Pruning Needs
There is very little need to prune your oxalis except for removing dead foliage.
Propagating Your Plant
The easiest way to propagate your oxalis triangularis is by division.
Follow these steps:
- Remove your plant from its container
- Gently separate the root ball into two or more pieces (depending on the size of your plant)
- Repot the new section(s) and place in a bright spot
Here’s a video demonstration:
Repotting Needs
Repot your oxalis every couple of years in a container slightly bigger than the one it’s currently in. The pot must have drainage holes and as previously outlined, potting soil that is well-draining is best for your plant.
Once you’ve removed your plant from the old container, including getting rid of the excess soil, repot it in the new container with new potting mix.
Interesting Information
Your oxalis plant goes dormant in the summer. Not the usual pattern for plants, given that this time of year is the typical growing season. Upon observation, it might look like your plant has died, however, don’t lose heart. All you need to do is move it to a dark location and discontinue watering and fertilizing it. And in about 3 to 6 weeks, new leaf growth will be evident. At this time, recommence watering your plant and move it back to a bright spot.
Common Problems
Wilting leaves
Provided that your plant has not gone into dormancy, wilting leaves typically result from either a lack of water or not enough light.
Your best solution, in this case, is not to let the soil get too dry or move your plant to a spot that gets bright light.
Yellow leaves
If your plant is overwatered, its foliage could turn yellow. If this is the case, cut back on watering for about 4 to 8 weeks to aid in the healing process.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew
is a fungal disease, resembling white powdery spots on the foliage. It often develops when there’s low light, high humidity, too much moisture or cool temperatures.
If you notice this on your plant, use a fungicide to combat it.
Pests
Look out for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, as these common pests can affect your plant. Treating your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap are a few ways to get rid of these pests.
Toxicity
This plant is considered toxic, so keep it away from small children and pets, who have tendencies to take a bite out of things!
Common Questions
What does an oxalis going into dormancy look like?
When an oxalis goes into dormancy, the leaves will turn brown and crispy. The plant will stop growing and may lose its color. Dormancy is a normal part of an oxalis’ life cycle. If you see your plant going into dormancy, don’t worry! Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place, and reduce watering and fertilizing. It will start growing again.
What does an overwatered oxalis look like?
If you’ve overwatered your oxalis, the leaves will be wilted and drooping. The plant may also have yellow or brown leaves, and the stem may be soft. If you think you’ve overwatered your plant, stop watering it for 4 to 8 weeks and see if the plant recovers. If not, repot it in fresh soil.
Is the oxalis triangularis a fast-growing plant?
No, the oxalis triangularis is not a fast-growing plant. It grows at a moderate pace, and reaches a maximum height of 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant to add a splash of color to your home or office, the oxalis triangularis is an option for you. With its low maintenance requirements and striking foliage, this little plant is sure will brighten up any space it occupies. How’s that for an interesting addition to your indoor garden?