Ultimate Guide to Oxalis Triangularis Plant Care at Home

If you’ve ever seen a floral display around St. Patrick’s Day, then you’ve likely seen an Oxalis triangularis plant in all its false shamrock glory. Although these plants are popular in March, they’re wonderful to grow any time of the year. Plus, they’re one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive. Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Oxalis Triangularis plant care at home including potting, soil, light, temperature, watering, feeding, pruning, and propagating considerations. 

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Oxalis Triangularis Plant Care

Oxalis triangularis (false shamrock) can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Optimal temperatures range from 65F to 85F with moderate humidity. Flas shamrock is particularly sensitive to overwatering. Plant in a well-draining potting mix (neutral to acidic pH) and container. Water every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season and once every 3 weeks when dormant.

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All About Oxalis Triangularis Plants

Oxalis triangularis, commonly called false shamrock, belongs to the Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel) plant family. There are about 560 species of plants in the Oxalis genus, and Oxalis triangularis is one of the most popular thanks to its lovely purple foliage.

They are herbaceous perennials that grow from unique bulbs called corms. They have delicate, five-petaled pink or white flowers and foliage that varies in colors including deep, almost-black purple, red, green, and combinations of green and purple. Both the plant’s foliage and flowers are responsive to sunlight, opening during the day and closing in the dark.

Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, Oxalis triangularis can be grown outdoors in USDA climate zones 8a through 11. However, it is most popularly grown as a houseplant.

Why Is Oxalis Triangularis Called False Shamrock?

Oxalis triangularis is commonly called the false shamrock because it is often confused for the true shamrock plant (Trifolium) due to its trifoliate leaves.

False Shamrock Uses & Benefits

False shamrocks are most prized for their ornamental benefit, and they are especially popular for decorating around St. Patrick’s Day.

False shamrock leaves and flowers are edible. They contain oxalic acid which gives them a slightly bitter taste, but one or two make lovely garnishes for salads. Additionally, the corms can be eaten raw or cooked and have a sweet taste.

Are Oxalis Triangularis Plants Toxic?

Despite its culinary uses, Oxalis triangularis is considered to be toxic to both people and animals because it can cause significant irritation to the digestive and gastrointestinal systems when ingested.

How Long Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Live?

False shamrocks are perennials that can last for years with the right care. During their dormant period, they can sometimes appear dead as the blossoms and foliage fade.

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Oxalis Triangularis Meaning & Symbolism

Oxalis triangularis is primarily a symbol of luck both in eastern traditions like feng shui and in western cultural traditions like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

They also symbolize joy and good-heartedness. In addition, like true shamrocks, they are sometimes associated with the Holy Trinity in Christian traditions due to the trifoliate nature of their leaves. With one leaf on each step to represent the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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How to Grow Oxalis Triangularis Plants Indoors

Are False Shamrocks Easy to Grow at Home?

Oxalis triangularis is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. It’s fairly low-maintenance, tolerant of a variety of conditions, and is great for beginners.

What to Do Before Planting an Oxalis Triangularis

Before planting a false shamrock, you’ll want to gather all the supplies you need and choose a suitable location in your house for your new plant.

You’ll need a rich and well-draining potting mix, a container with drainage holes, and a location in your home that receives plenty of sunlight. Somewhere near a south-facing window would be ideal. 

Although you could plant a false shamrock in a hanging planter, they aren’t really suitable for this type of container. They need a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot and also don’t have much of a trailing habit.

They’re better displayed in a traditional container on a windowsill or side table.

Growth Expectations

If planting an Oxalis triangularis from a bulb, you should see growth above the potting soil within 3 to 6 weeks.

Mature false shamrock plants reach between 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches across.

The Best Soil Mix for False Shamrock

False shamrock can thrive in acidic to neutral potting mix.

When selecting or creating a potting mix for Oxalis triangularis, the most important thing to remember is that the soil must be well-draining and should have good aeration. Any potting mix that is too heavy will hold too much moisture and put the plant at risk of root rot.

Any rich, prepackaged, well-draining indoor plant potting mix will work well. To mix your own, combine one part potting soil with one part sand, peat, or perlite.

Light Preferences

Oxalis triangularis can thrive in a variety of light conditions, ranging from direct sunlight to partial shade. It will fare best, however, in a location that receives plenty of filtered bright or medium sunlight.

Direct sunlight in the morning is best, so place yours in an east-facing window, if possible. If your windows are more north-facing, then place directly in front of the window to maximize light.

To encourage even growth, rotate the pot 90 degrees once a week during the growing season.

Temperature & Humidity Preferences

False shamrocks prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 60°F.

Moderate or average indoor humidity is fine. In exceptionally dry conditions, you can increase humidity by running a humidifier, misting the plant once a week, or adding a humidity tray with pebbles and water below the plant.

For ideal temperature and humidity conditions, try not to position your plant too close to any HVAC vents, drafty windows, or exterior doors.

How to Pot an Oxalis Triangularis

Choose a well-draining container that’s about 1 to 2 inches larger than your false shamrock’s root ball. For added drainage, you can add a 1-inch layer of pebbles to the bottom of your pot, but this is not necessary as long as you use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that can drain as well.

Next, add a layer of potting mix to the pot, leaving enough room for about 1 inch of potting soil above your plant’s bulb and another inch or so of space between the top of the soil and the top of the container.

Place your plant’s bulb or rootball on top of the bottom layer of potting mix. Fill in around and over the roots and bulb with potting mix. Gently pat the potting mix down.

Water the plant thoroughly, until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Allow all excess water to drain before placing your plant in the desired location.

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How to Care for Oxalis Triangularis Plants Indoors

Watering an Oxalis Triangularis

Oxalis triangularis prefers even, constant moisture but is especially susceptible to root rot and damage from sitting in soggy soil. Be careful not to overwater your plant.

During the growing season (spring and summer), water your false shamrock when the top inch of soil feels dry – about every one to two weeks. During the dormant season (fall and winter), water your false shamrock when the soil is about halfway dry – every two to three weeks.

You can feel the potting mix with your fingers to test the moisture level or use a moisture probe, which simplifies the watering process (especially during dormancy).

You might need to adjust this watering schedule depending on your plant’s environment. Plants that receive more sunlight or that are in warmer, more arid locations will require more frequent watering. If your home is especially dry, you might consider misting your plant every couple of weeks.

Conversely, plants that receive less sunlight or that are placed in cooler or more humid environments will require less frequent watering.

While false shamrocks can usually tolerate tap and well water, you can safeguard your plant’s root system from chemicals and heavy metals by using filtered water or collected rainwater. It’s best to use water that is at room temperature rather than extremely cold or hot water that can shock the roots.

How, When, and Why to Fertilize a False Shamrock

Plenty of nutrients in your plant’s potting soil will encourage growth and flowers. You should fertilize an Oxalis triangularis plant during the growing season only.

Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every one to two weeks. For best results, add the fertilizer to your regular watering routine when appropriate.

Do Oxalis Triangularis Plants Need to Be Pruned?

False shamrocks don’t require the same pruning that other types of houseplants need. Rather than pruning your plant to control its growth and shape, you will simply prune an Oxalis triangularis to remove spent flowers and withered leaves to protect the plant from harmful bacterial growth.

Use sterile pruning shears or scissors to snip away spent flower or leaf stalks as close to the base of the plant as you can.

How to Propagate a False Shamrock

During Dormancy: 

When your plant is at least two weeks into its dormancy period, you can propagate it by splitting the bulbs. Remove the plant from its pot, divide the bulbs and roots, keeping as much of the root material intact as possible. Repot them into separate pots, water well, and watch them sprout in spring.

During the Growing Season:  

You can also propagate a false shamrock during the growing season by dividing the plant. Remove the plant from its container and gently tease apart separate bulbs and roots. Repot the separate halves, thirds, or fourths of the plant in their own containers and water thoroughly.

When and How to Repot an Oxalis Triangularis

Oxalis triangularis should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the plant’s potting mix and accommodate new growth.

Repotting a false shamrock during the growing season can shock the plant. So, it’s best to repot in the middle of dormancy.

To repot your false shamrock, choose a well-draining container that’s one to two inches larger than the plant’s current pot. Choose a soil mix that’s similar to the plant’s current mixture and follow the instructions above for “How to Pot an Oxalis Triangularis.”

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Common Problems With Oxalis Triangularis & How to Treat Them

Weak and Leggy Stems

Long, weak stems usually occur as a result of too little sunlight. Move your plant to a sunnier location or add a fluorescent lamp.

Yellow Leaves and Mushy Stems

This is a sign of root rot which occurs due to overwatering.

Repot your plant, removing any rotted portions of the roots. Make sure you choose a well-draining potting mix and a well-draining container. If necessary, reduce watering frequency and/or volume.

Brown, Wilting, or Crispy Leaves

This is a sign of too little moisture. You might need to increase your watering schedule or add more humidity to the environment.

No Growth

Growth stops during dormancy. So, it’s normal for there not to be any new growth in fall and winter.

If your plant has no new growth during spring and summer, add fertilizer and move to a location that receives more sunlight.

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Essential Tools for Oxalis Triangularis Care

• Rich, well-draining potting mix
• Well-draining container
• Moisture meter or soil probe
• Balanced liquid fertilizer
• Misting spray bottle
• Pruning shears or sharp scissors

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False Shamrock Adds True Beauty to the Home

False shamrock is low-maintenance and beautiful to grow. Whether you add a few to your home or a single Oxalis triangularis to a prominent, sunny location, you’ll enjoy its foliage and petite blossoms for years to come.

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Oxalis Triangularis Plant Care FAQs

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