Purple shamrock care: watering, light and repotting
Also called oxalis, false shamrock, love plant · Oxalis triangularis · Oxalidaceae family
12 d in winter
How often to water the purple shamrock?
Allow about 6 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 12 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its leaves close at night. If it loses all its foliage, it's going dormant: keep it dry for a few weeks and it regrows from its bulbs.
What light does it need?
The purple shamrock likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in March, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 8–12 in (20–30 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Foliage dying back all at once
Cause: Going dormant. What to do: Stop watering for a month, then start again.
Long, floppy stems
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it more light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the purple shamrock?
About every 6 days in spring and summer, and every 12 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the purple shamrock?
The purple shamrock likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the purple shamrock?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the purple shamrock?
Every 2 years, ideally in March, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the purple shamrock safe?
The purple shamrock is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the purple shamrock forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.