Overview

Welcome a touch of vibrant charm into your home with the exquisite oxalis triangularis live plant. Often referred to as the purple shamrock plant or False Shamrock, this captivating houseplant is renowned for its distinctive deep purple, triangular-shaped leaves that create a stunning visual contrast. These unique leaves exhibit nyctinasty, gracefully folding down at night and reopening with the morning light, adding an interactive element to your indoor garden. Our live Oxalis triangularis comes potted in a 4-inch container, ready to thrive in its new environment. Originating from Brazil, this bulbous perennial is cherished for both its striking foliage and delicate, often white or pale pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that emerge periodically, especially during spring and summer. It’s an ideal choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners looking for an impressive yet manageable addition to their collection.

The oxalis triangularis live plant is not just a beautiful specimen; it’s also relatively low-maintenance, making it a fantastic choice for busy individuals or those new to plant care. Its compact size and eye-catching appearance make it suitable for a variety of indoor settings, from a bright office desk to a cozy living room shelf. This plant arrives healthy and established, ensuring a smooth transition to your home. Enjoy the dynamic beauty and effortless elegance that the purple shamrock plant brings to any interior.

Key Benefits

The Oxalis Triangularis offers a multitude of benefits that make it a cherished addition to any indoor space. Its unique characteristics provide both aesthetic appeal and a rewarding growing experience.

• Striking Visual Appeal: The deep purple, triangular leaves of the oxalis triangularis live plant provide year-round color and a dramatic focal point. Its foliage creates an elegant contrast against lighter backgrounds and other green plants, making it a true showstopper.
• Dynamic Leaf Movement: Experience the fascination of nyctinasty as the leaves fold up at dusk and unfurl with the sunrise. This daily movement adds an engaging, living quality to your home decor, offering a unique connection to nature.
• Easy to Care For: This plant is remarkably forgiving and requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those with busy schedules. Its resilience ensures a thriving plant with little effort.
• Compact Size: Perfect for small spaces, the purple shamrock plant typically reaches a height of 6-8 inches and spreads up to 12 inches, fitting comfortably on windowsills, bookshelves, and desks without overwhelming the area.
• Occasional Blooms: While primarily grown for its foliage, the Oxalis triangularis also produces charming small white or pale pink flowers, adding an extra layer of beauty, especially during its peak blooming seasons.
• Air Purifying Qualities: Like many houseplants, the indoor oxalis plant contributes to a healthier indoor environment by helping to filter common airborne toxins, promoting fresher air quality in your home or office.
• Unique Gift Idea: Its distinctive appearance and relative ease of care make the Oxalis triangularis a thoughtful and memorable gift for plant lovers, housewarming parties, or any special occasion.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your oxalis triangularis live plant is straightforward, ensuring it remains a vibrant and dynamic addition to your home. This plant thrives in specific conditions that mimic its natural habitat. For optimal growth, provide bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually ideal, where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. If the light is too low, the plant may become leggy and lose some of its vibrant purple coloration. Conversely, too much direct sun can fade the leaf color and cause wilting.

When it comes to watering, the oxalis houseplant care routine should focus on consistency without overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. During its active growing season (spring and summer), it will require more frequent watering. In winter, when the plant may enter a dormant phase, reduce watering significantly. The ideal soil type for this plant is a well-draining potting mix, preferably one enriched with organic matter. A standard all-purpose potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage works well. The Oxalis triangularis prefers average room temperatures, generally between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and average household humidity. Avoid sudden temperature drops or drafts. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, once every 2-4 weeks. During dormancy, no fertilizer is needed. If your false shamrock plant goes dormant (leaves yellow and die back), simply cut back the foliage, reduce watering, and wait for new growth to emerge in a few weeks or months.

Size & Details

Our oxalis triangularis live plant is shipped as a healthy, established plant in a 4-inch nursery pot, ready to be placed in your home or repotted into a decorative container. At the time of shipment, the plant typically measures between 4 to 6 inches in height, though it will continue to grow and expand. When mature, the plant commonly reaches a height of 6-8 inches, with a spread of up to 12 inches wide, creating a beautiful, full display of foliage. This compact size makes it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, and windowsills, adding a pop of color without requiring extensive space. The plant’s growth rate is moderate, and with proper care, you can expect it to fill out its pot beautifully over time. The vibrant purple leaves are the main attraction, offering continuous visual interest throughout the year, complemented by occasional delicate blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The oxalis triangularis live plant typically grows to a height of 6-8 inches and can spread up to 12 inches wide, creating a lovely, bushy appearance. It remains a relatively compact houseplant.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While it can be grown outdoors in warmer climates (USDA zones 8-11), it is primarily cultivated as an indoor oxalis plant due to its sensitivity to cold. It thrives indoors in bright, indirect light.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The purple shamrock plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Oxalis triangularis is considered an easy-care plant, making it suitable for beginners. It requires consistent watering and bright indirect light but is quite forgiving.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your oxalis triangularis live plant will arrive healthy and well-packaged in its 4-inch nursery pot, ready to be placed in your home. We take great care to ensure safe delivery.
• Q: Is it pet-safe? A: No, Oxalis triangularis contains oxalic acid and can be toxic if ingested by pets. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious animals.
• Q: How often should I water my Oxalis? A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure thorough watering until water drains from the bottom, then allow it to dry out again. Reduce watering during its dormant period.
• Q: Why are the leaves folding up? A: The leaves of the false shamrock plant naturally fold up at night or when stressed by too much light or heat. This is a normal and fascinating characteristic called nyctinasty.
• Q: Does it bloom? A: Yes, while primarily grown for its foliage, the Oxalis triangularis does produce delicate white or pale pink flowers, typically during spring and summer, adding an extra touch of beauty.
• Q: What type of soil is best for oxalis houseplant care? A: A well-draining potting mix, ideally one with added perlite or sand, is best to prevent waterlogged roots.