Purple Shamrock or false shamrock is loved for its deep purple, triangular leaves that almost look like butterflies.
Native to Brazil, purple-leaf shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) is a low growing perennial plant from Oxalidaceae family, it thrives well in both outdoors and indoors conditions. It also goes with a name false shamrock, the deep purple foliage look nearly black. The triangular leaves grow in a group of three; during night or on cloudy days, they fold up like an umbrella and open again in the morning light.
This plant offers white to pale pink or lavender-color flowers. It grows up to 0.5-1 foot tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Common Names: Oxalis, Purple shamrock, False shamrock, Love plant, Wood sorrel, Black oxalis
Botanical Name: Oxalis triangularis syn. Oxalis regnellii
USDA Zone: 8-11
Propagating Purple Shamrock
Propagate from Division:
In the growing season, mature purple shamrock can be propagated by division. It is an affordable technique for getting more plants. The division also stops the mature plants from becoming overcrowded. Read the below points:
- Carefully dig up the plant, keeping the roots intact.
- Gently divide the root ball into half or into more pieces if the plant is very large. Do this from your hands to prevent root breakage. However, sterile scissors can be used to remove entangled roots.
- Now, plant new sections in the pot that are slightly bigger than the root ball. Water thoroughly.
Propagate from Bulbs:
During spring, plant the bulbs in the soil narrow end facing up almost 1-2 inches down in the soil. Space the bulbs 3-4 inches apart if propagating more than one plant. Water the soil, but do not make it soggy; whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out, water it. Keep the pot in a warm, bright area. New growth will appear in 3-4 weeks.
Container Size
Go for a pot that is a bit bigger than the root ball, ensure it has drainage holes. Use an unglazed clay pot as it gives excess moisture to run away its walls.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Purple Shamrock
Light
Grow purple shamrock where it gets full sunlight for up to four hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis will be sufficient. However, it can also be managed in a partially shaded area. Place the pot on a window that gets bright light. Rotate the plant frequently so every part receives light and grows evenly. Lack of light can cause stunted growth.
Soil
Use well-draining, loamy or sandy potting mix. This plants roots are vulnerable to rot if soil holds too much moisture.
Water
Keep young plants evenly moist, full-grown shamrock plants can withstand some drought. In the growing season, water once the top 1-2 inches of soil becomes dry. During dormancy, water lightly about every 2-3 weeks.
Temperature and Humidity
Purple shamrock prefers temperatures between 60-75 F, which is an average room temperature in homes. This plant can tolerate nighttime temperatures down to 50 F. Protect the shamrock from heaters, air-conditioners, and drafts, as they can damage the foliage. Moderate humidity is ideal for this plant.
Purple Shamrock Care
Fertilizer
Feed your purple shamrock using liquid or slow release fertilizer during growing season, read the label for instructions. For indoor plants, use a liquid fertilizer and mix some compost in the soil for healthy growth.
Repotting
You can repot the plant every two years in one pot size up, carefully loosen the plant from the old planter, and shake off loose soil. Repot it at a similar depth in the new container using fresh potting mix and water gently.
Overwintering
Move purple shamrock plants indoors in winter if grown outside of their hardiness zones. Take them inside before any frost is in the prediction and nights are above 50 F. Keep the plant on a south-facing bright window. Maintain the room temperature below 80 F. Warm conditions can make the plant think it’s summer and make it go dormant. Do water the plant in the same way you did when it was outdoors.
Pests and Diseases
This beautiful foliage plant is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Indoor plants are prone to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Use insecticidal soap to combat this issue.
The most common disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes white spots on the leaves. It occurs due to poor airflow and humid conditions. Avoid grouping plants together and overhead watering.
Toxicity
It is toxic to humans and pets; if consumed in large quantities, it can cause kidney failure due to the presence of soluble calcium oxalates.
How to Get Purple Shamrock Plant to Bloom
This plant blooms from fall to spring and displays small, five-petal blossoms in clusters above the leaves. Similarly, like foliage, blooms close at night and on cloudy days. Deadheading is not important for encouraging flowering, but it gives a neat appearance.
You can boost flowering by growing the plant in sufficient sunlight, providing good moisture and timely feeding.