How To Grow Oxalis Triangularis – Purple Shamrock
Looking to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your indoor garden? Look no further because Oxalis Triangularis, also known as the “purple shamrock” or “false shamrock,” is your best choice. With proper Oxalis Triangularis Indoor care, you can make this beautiful perennial plant thrive for years. This plant, with its triangular-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers, has become a popular choice among indoor gardeners. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to indoor gardening, Oxalis Triangularis is a must-have for any collection.
Overview
Common name: Purple Shamrock, False Shamrock
Family: Oxalidaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Origin: South America
Size: 6-12 inches tall and wide
USDA Hardiness Zone: Generally 8 -11
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Moderate; allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering
Soil Type: Well-draining, humus-rich
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Flowers: Delicate purple or pink
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Benefits of Oxalis Triangularis
Oxalis triangularis has several benefits that make it an ideal indoor plant. Firstly, the Oxalis plant purifies the air by removing toxins and pollutants. Secondly, it can also improve the humidity levels in the room, making it a great plant for dry climates or air-conditioned spaces. Thirdly, it also brings good luck and prosperity as per the feng shui. Lastly, it is also known to bring a calming and soothing effect, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Varieties of Oxalis Triangularis
Oxalis triangularis sp. Papilionacea
Commonly known as the “butterfly shamrock,” this variety features delicate, butterfly-shaped flowers and dark purple leaves.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Mijke’
It has deep purple leaves and pale pink flowers that bloom in clusters. It adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Atropurpurea’
This variety has dark purple leaves and deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a great choice for adding color to a garden bed or container.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Ebony Allure’
It has dark, almost black leaves and pale pink flowers. It is perfect for adding a touch of drama to a garden.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Fanny’
Fanny has deep purple leaves and bright pink flowers, making it a popular choice for adding color to a garden.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Sanne’
It has deep purple leaves and pale pink flowers that bloom in clusters. It adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Marmer’
Marmer has variegated leaves with white and green marbling and pale pink flowers. It adds interest to any garden bed or container.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Amber’
It has deep purple leaves and bright yellow flowers. It adds a pop of color to any garden.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Irish Mist
It is famous for its deep purple leaves and pale pink flowers.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Birgit’
It is known for its deep purple leaves and bright pink flowers.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Sunny’
It is a unique variety with deep purple leaves and bright yellow flowers.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Burgundy Wine’
It is a striking variety with dark purple leaves and deep pink flowers. It is a great choice for adding color to a garden bed or container.
Oxalis triangularis ‘Black Velvet’
This variety is famous for its dark, almost black leaves and deep pink flowers.
Indoor Care for Oxalis Triangularis
Oxalis Triangularis is quite a resilient that can grow easily in harsh outdoor environments. As an indoor houseplant, it is an easy-to-care plant and thrives when its growing conditions are taken care of. Take into consideration following factors for proper indoor care of Oxalis triangularis.
Sunlight:
Oxalis triangularis prefers bright, indirect light. This means that you should place it near a window where it will receive filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching, which damages the leaves and makes plant less attractive. If you don’t have a spot in your home that receives diffused light, you can also use grow lights to supplement the plant’s light needs.
If certain part of the plant get more light then the other parts, then it can get leggy. Therefore, rotate the pot a 1/4 turn once a week to prevent discoloration or leggy growth.
Water:
Watering is the most common problem people have with Oxalis Triangularis. It likes being consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before next watering. It is also important to use a well-draining soil mix and to make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Humidity:
Oxalis triangularis can do well in normal room humidity. However, if the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly or using a humidifier. This will help to keep the leaves healthy and prevent them from drying out.
Temperature:
To ensure optimal growth, Oxalis triangularis should be kept in a cool environment with temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that the plant is not tolerant of temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To protect it from cold air, be sure to keep it away from drafts and any other sources of low temperatures.
Soil:
Oxalis triangularis prefers a well-draining, lightweight soil mix that can be easily achieved by using a commercial potting mix or by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. To ensure proper drainage, add perlite or coarse sand to the soil mix, which will prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root growth.
Fertilizer:
When it comes to fertilizing your Oxalis triangularis, it’s best to do so every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer is recommended, and application rates should be followed as directed by the manufacturer.
Pruning:
To keep Oxalis triangularis looking its best, it’s important to regularly trim off any yellow or damaged leaves as they appear. This will help promote healthy growth and keep the plant neat and tidy. Additionally, deadheading the spent flowers i.e. removing them from the plant as soon as they wilt will encourage continued blooming. This will help to prolong the flowering period and keep the plant looking vibrant and colorful for longer. Regular pruning and deadheading can be done with a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. It is important to sterilize the blades before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Repotting:
Repotting Oxalis triangularis is an important step in its care and maintenance. Repot the plant every 2-3 years or when the roots have become crowded in the current pot. When repotting, use a pot one size larger than the current one to give the plant room for growth. Additionally, it’s important to use a well-draining soil mix to ensure that the plant’s roots are not sitting in water.
Oxalis Triangularis Propagation:
Oxalis Triangularis Propagation refers to the process of creating new plants from existing ones. This can be done through several methods, including bulb and division.
Oxalis Triangularis Propagation By Bulbs:
You can easily propagate the Oxalis triangularis with the bulbs while the plant is dormant. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Carefully dig up the bulbs in the fall after the foliage has died back
Step 2: Clean the bulbs and let them dry for a few days
Step 3:Plant the bulbs in a well-draining soil mix about 2 inches deep
Step 4: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Step 5: Place the pot in a warm, bright location
Step 6: Wait for the sprouts which will appear within 2-3 weeks
Oxalis Triangularis Propagation By Division:
Follow these steps to propagate the Oxalis triangularis by division method:
Step 1: Carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant
Step 2: Use a sharp knife or garden spade to divide the roots into smaller sections
Step 3: Plant each section in a well-draining soil mix, making sure to keep the crown of the plant above the soil line
Step 4: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Step 5: Place the pot in a warm, bright location
Step 6: The plant should establish itself within a few weeks.
Problems Related to Oxalis Triangularis:
Although the indoor care of Oxalis triangularis is easy but the plant can encounter many problems. This section covers common problems that can arise with Oxalis triangularis and provides solutions to help keep the plant thriving.
Why Is My Oxalis Drooping?
Symptoms of this problem include wilting, weak or floppy stems and leaves, and a lack of overall vigor. The most common reason for drooping Oxalis is over-watering or poorly draining soil. The solution is to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and make sure the plant is in well-draining soil.
Why Is My Oxalis Leggy?
Leggy growth is characterized by long, spindly stems with few leaves. This is often caused by insufficient light or too much heat. To fix leggy growth, provide your Oxalis with more light and maintain a cooler temperature.
Why Is My Oxalis Yellowing?
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of a variety of issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases. The most common reason for yellowing leaves is over-fertilization or a lack of essential nutrients. To fix this, reduce the amount of fertilizer you use and ensure that your plant is getting the right amount of light and water.
Why Is My Oxalis Plant Turning Brown?
Variety of issues, such as pests, disease, or over-fertilization, cause the browning of leaves. The most common reason for browning is over-watering or poorly draining soil. To fix this, allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and make sure the plant is in well-draining soil.
Why Is My Oxalis Plant’s Leaves Turning Crispy And Falling Off?
Crispy leaves and falling-off leaves can be caused by several issues, such as pests, disease, or over-fertilization. The most common reason for this is dry air or low humidity. To fix this, increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier or regularly misting the leaves.
Why Is My Oxalis Plant Experiencing Slow Growth?
Symptoms of slowed growth include small leaves, a lack of new growth, and a lack of overall vigor. The most common reason for slowed growth is a lack of essential nutrients or a lack of light. To fix this, ensure that your plant is getting the right amount of light and water, and fertilize regularly.
Pests:
Oxalis triangularis is vulnerable to pests and bugs attack. Common pests that attack the plant are:
Mealybugs:
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of plants. You can control them by wiping them off with a damp cloth or by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites:
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can cause yellow stippling or fine webbing on the leaves of plants. They can be controlled by using a strong spray of water to knock them off the plant or by using a miticide.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of plants. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Diseases:
SOme of the common diseases of Oxalis triangularis are:
Leaf Spot/Rust:
Leaf spot/rust is a fungal disease that causes brown or yellow spots on the leaves of plants. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and by applying a fungicide.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves of plants. It can be controlled by applying a fungicide or by increasing air circulation around the plant.
Chlorotic Ringspot:
It is a viral disease that causes yellow or white rings on the leaves of plants. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and by controlling pests that can spread the virus.
Botrytis:
Chlorotic ringspot is a viral disease that causes yellow or white rings on the leaves of plants. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and by controlling pests that can spread the virus.
Other Tips on Oxalis Triangularis Indoor Care:
Oxalis Triangularis Dormancy:
Oxalis triangularis is a perennial plant that goes through a dormant period. During this time, the leaves will die back, and the plant will not need as much water or care. This period typically happens during the winter months and lasts for several weeks. It’s important to not over-water or fertilize the plant during this time, as it can lead to root rot. To prepare for dormancy, gradually reduce watering and fertilizer in the weeks leading up to it. Once the leaves have died back, you can stop watering altogether until new growth appears.
How Do I Make My Oxalis More Full?
To make your Oxalis triangularis more full and bushy, you can pinch back the tips of the stems when they are young. This will encourage branching and result in a fuller plant. Additionally, you can also propagate the plant by division or bulb to increase the number of plants you have.
How do You Revive Your Dying Oxalis Plant?
If your Oxalis triangularis is showing signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or slowed growth, it may be in need of reviving. The first step is to identify the problem, whether it’s due to over-watering, under-watering, pests, or disease. Once the problem is identified, take appropriate action to solve it. For example, if the plant is overwatered, allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If the plant is under-watered, give it a thorough watering and increase the frequency of watering. If pests or diseases are present, use appropriate pesticides or fungicides. Additionally, ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light and in the right temperature range. With proper care, your Oxalis triangularis can recover and thrive.
Conclusion:
Oxalis triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock, is a beautiful and unique plant that can add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. With the right care, your Oxalis triangularis can be a stunning addition to your indoor garden for many years to come. Happy gardening!
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