Shamrock.

De un vistazo

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Bulbous perennial

Light

Bright indirect light is best for keeping the leaves vibrant.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 10 days

Mature size

30 cm tall and 30 cm wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 10

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Cuidados

Keep the soil lightly moist and provide plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant color. Watch for leggy stems, which indicate the plant needs more light, and allow it a short dormant period if it begins to look tired. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent the bulbs from sitting in water.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.

Pruning

Trim back any yellowing or damaged stems at the base to encourage fresh growth.

Repotting

Repot in the spring if the bulbs become too crowded in the container.

Soil

Well draining peat based potting mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

The plant is considered toxic if consumed in large amounts due to high levels of oxalic acid.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to soluble calcium oxalates.

Children

Keep this plant away from small children as ingestion of large quantities of leaves can cause stomach upset.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the sap.

Airborne allergens

There is no significant evidence of respiratory allergies from this plant.

Edibility

Oxalis contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities or for people with kidney issues.

Cómo identificarla

• Deep purple triangular leaflets
• Leaves fold closed at night
• Delicate white or pink flowers
• Grows from small scaly bulbs

Height

0.15 to 0.3m

Spread

0.15 to 0.3m

Leaves

purple, burgundy, evergreen

Flowers

white, pink, 1 to 2cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Rust — Small orange or brown spots appear on the undersides of leaves.
• Aphids — Tiny insects that suck sap from new growth and cause leaf curling.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

division

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

If growing outdoors in cold climates, bring containers inside or mulch heavily. If the plant goes dormant, keep the soil barely moist until new growth appears.

In containers

Oxalis grows very well in pots, and a 6 inch container is usually sufficient for a single plant.

Pair Oxalis with plants that have similar water needs to ensure they thrive together without one outcompeting the other.

Buenas compañeras

• Ferns — They share similar light and moisture requirements in shady garden spots.
• Hostas — Their broad leaves provide a nice textural contrast to the delicate Oxalis foliage.

Mantenla lejos de

• Turf Grass — Oxalis can become invasive and compete aggressively with lawn grasses.

Especies parecidas

• Shamrock — Often confused due to the three leaf structure, though they are unrelated.

Ciencia

Family

Oxalidaceae

Genus

Oxalis

Order

Oxalidales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Found globally, with high diversity in South America and South Africa.

Conservation

Most common Oxalis species are widespread and not of conservation concern.

It often colonizes disturbed soil or forest floors, utilizing its ability to grow from small bulbs or rhizomes to spread quickly.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental groundcover, container plant, rock garden accent

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Is Oxalis a weed?

Some species are considered aggressive garden weeds, while others are prized ornamentals.

Does it need full sun?

Most prefer bright, indirect light to partial shade.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Oxalis is derived from the Greek word oxys, meaning acid, referring to the sour taste of the leaves. The common name wood sorrel also highlights this acidic flavor profile.

Bueno saberlo

• The name Oxalis comes from the Greek word for acid.
• Some species are known as wood sorrel.
• The leaves are often shaped like clover but are not true clovers.