Purple Shamrock
Oxalis triangularis
Enchanting tuberous plant with deep-purple triangular leaves that fold closed at night and reopen each morning. Produces delicate pale pink flowers above the foliage. Goes dormant periodically but always returns.
Best rooms for purple shamrock
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for purple shamrock
Bright indirect light maintains the deep purple colour. Water when the top 2cm of compost dries. If the plant goes dormant (leaves die back), stop watering and store in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks, then resume watering to restart growth. Feed monthly during active growth. Minimum 7°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Division of bulbils when repotting
- Seed
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Dormancy mistaken for death (it's normal)
- Leggy growth in low light
- Green reversion without enough light
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