Oxalis triangularis
Oxalis triangularis · Oxalidaceae
📷 Richard Bartz, Munich aka Makro Freak · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around oxalis triangularis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Purple oxalis, Purple shamrock
- Foliage
- Evergreen, intense purple-burgundy
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn, pink or white flowers
- Adult size
- 20 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Grow indoors or in warm zones (minimum 10-15°C)
- Origin
- Brazil
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, slightly acidic
Care
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering when the plant slows its growth. Use soft water preferably, and ensure the pot is aerated to prevent water stagnation.
Light exposure
Place it in a bright location, ideally in indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but flowers more abundantly with more brightness. Avoid direct scorching sun, which could dull its superb purple foliage.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young stems regularly to encourage dense and compact branching. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves as they appear. No severe pruning is necessary; simple shaping is enough.
Fertilizing
Fertilize every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (spring and summer) with diluted balanced fertilizer. In autumn and winter, space out applications or stop them completely.
Soil and repotting
Use a light mix composed of potting soil, perlite, and peat to ensure good drainage. Repot in spring if the plant becomes too crowded in its pot.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in dry air. Regular light misting helps prevent these issues. Ensure good air circulation in your space to avoid mold in case of excess humidity.
Did you know?
Purple oxalis owes its nickname 'purple shamrock' to its triangular leaves of a striking violet-burgundy color, but also to its remarkable ability to 'sleep' at night by folding its leaves, a phenomenon called nyctinasty. In Brazil, this plant is considered a lucky charm and is often given as a New Year's gift.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- OcaOxalis tuberosa
- Yellow sorrelOxalis corniculata
- Common wood sorrelOxalis stricta
- Oxalis perennansOxalis perennans
- Pink sorrelOxalis articulata
- Oxalis debilisOxalis debilis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.