growing shamrocks indoors

Place the plant in an area that is room temperature and receives good air circulation and bright, but not direct, light. Soil should be kept lightly moist. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize with a balanced houseplant food every few months.

Do shamrock plants need lots of light?

Shamrocks are bulb plants and die back after they bloom; but don't throw them out, they just need a little rest before starting to grow again. Light: Shamrocks need bright indirect light. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants.

Why is my shamrock plant dying?

Most of the time, when a shamrock plant appears to be dying, it is actually just in need of an off-season, or a time in which it can rest. It grows from a bulb and is a perennial, so if it is dying at the end of a growing season, simply cut off the dying or dead portions and wait for the new growing season to start.

Do shamrocks like sun or shade?

Shamrock reaches a height of about 10 inches at maturity. Place shamrock in full sunlight, but protect it from extreme temperatures and hot sunlight. For example, a sunny, south-facing window is perfect for winter but may be too hot during the summer.

Are Shamrocks annual or perennial?

Oxalis triangularis, commonly called false shamrock, is a species of perennial plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to several countries in southern South America. This woodsorrel is typically grown as a houseplant but can be grown outside in USDA climate zones 8a–11, preferably in light shade.

Can a shamrock plant go outside?

Oxalis, also known as shamrock or sorrel, is a popular indoor plant around the St. Patrick's Day holiday. This diminutive little plant is also suitable for growing outdoors with minimal attention, although it may need a little help getting through chilly winters.

Is Shamrock plant poisonous to dogs?

Shamrock Plants can be Toxic for Dogs and Cats

The Oxalis species or shamrock plant is also known as: Good Luck Plant, Sorrel, Purple Shamrock and Love Plant. ... Symptoms of Oxalis poisoning are: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

How long does a shamrock plant last?

The dormant period varies and may last anywhere from a few weeks to three months, depending on the cultivar and the conditions. After the first couple weeks of dormancy, check your plant for new growth every week or so. When new shoots appear, the dormancy period has ended.

How do I bring my Shamrock back to life?

When the leaves are all dry, cut away the dried stems and place the pot in a cool, dark place until February. Bring your shamrock plant back into a bright location in February. Begin watering the plant again. Apply a dose of liquid flowering-houseplant fertilizer according to label directions.

How do you take care of a shamrock plant in the winter?

During dormancy, stop watering, and place the plant in a cool, dark place. When you see new growth, move your shamrock back into bright light and resume watering, says the University of Vermont Extension.

How often do Shamrocks bloom?

The potted shamrock plant (Oxalis regnellii) is a small specimen, often reaching no more than 6 inches. Leaves are in a range of shades and delicate flowers bloom off and on during fall, winter and spring.

Do shamrock plants spread?

Shamrock plants make great house plants.

When grown outdoors, shamrocks have an invasive nature. Their fast-spreading tuberous roots can spread like wildfire. However, when confined to a container, you can put this plant on your windowsill to enjoy the lush, clover-like leaves and charming little flowers up-close.

Why are shamrocks called shamrocks?

The word “shamrock” comes from the Irish word Seamróg, meaning “little clover” or “young clover,” but there isn't a consensus on which species of clover is the “true” shamrock. In fact, there are a few plants that go by this nickname!

Is Purple Shamrock poisonous?

Is the Purple Shamrock Toxic? Oxalis plants are toxic both to people and animals when ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the highest concentration of toxins being in the bulbs.

Can you eat shamrock leaves?

Features. In addition to being called Irish shamrock, wood sorrel also is called sour dock thanks to its edible, sour leaves, which have a lemony tang. According to Plants for a Future, wood sorrel leaves may be eaten raw or cooked, and the flowers may be used as a decorative edible topper for salads.

Do shamrock plants like to be root bound?

Shamrock Plant Care Tips

Shamrock plants like to be root bound in small pots to prevent over watering. ... While your Shamrock Plant appears to be dying, it is really going into a resting or dormant phase. After all of the leaves have died, stop watering and move your Shamrock Plant to a cool area.

Are shamrock plants poisonous to humans?

The Shamrock, Sorrel or Oxalis plant has a very bitter taste, which often deters dogs and cats from consuming large quantities. ... However, when ingested in large enough quantities in small animals, it can result in poisoning in dogs, cats, and even humans.

Is Oxalis a houseplant?

Of the Oxalis species in cultivation, Oxalis triangularis is the one most commonly cultivated as a houseplant. Oxalis are not only excellent houseplants because they come in a range of colors and sizes, but also because they are so prolific.

Is Dutch clover invasive?

In a location where you often walk or where kids play, a mixed clover/grass lawn is a better choice than a pure clover lawn. Clover is naturally invasive, rooting wherever its trailing stems touch the ground. That may be a boon in a sparse lawn, but it can easily spread beyond the lawn into nearby gardens.

What's the difference between clover and shamrock?

Traditionally, shamrocks have been used as a symbol of Ireland. A clover must have three leaves to be considered a shamrock. If the clover has more or less, then it is not a shamrock. Hence, all shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks.

Should I cut back my shamrock plant?

Trim back the browning foliage to about an inch from the plant's base. If possible, move your plant to a cool and dark location and stop watering for 2-3 months. If you can't move the plant, trim back the foliage to ground level and leave the mulch to keep the plant's base cool.