shamrock plant

How long do Shamrock plants 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.

How much sun does a shamrock plant need?

The hardiness varies with different species, from hardy in zone 3 to frost tender. Tender species can be grown in containers and brought indoors to overwinter. Shamrocks grow and bloom best in full sun, but will they will tolerate partial shade. In hot summer regions they will need protection from the afternoon sun.

Is a shamrock plant indoor or outdoor?

With a little tender loving care, shamrock, also known as wood sorrel or good luck plant depending on the variety, produces dainty blooms all winter. Although this tender perennial is often grown indoors, it is suitable for outdoor growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10.

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.

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.

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.

Why is my Shamrock dying?

Shamrock plants are bulb plants and die back after they bloom. Don't throw them out, they just need a little rest before starting to grow again. ... An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants.

Why is my Purple Shamrock dying?

Forget to water it, temperature drops too low or its living conditions are generally poor, everything above the surface will wilt and die back to take refuge in the bulbs below. As soon as good conditions are restored the plant comes back to life incredibly quickly.

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.

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.

Does oxalis die in the winter?

Its normal for the leaves to die back, so when they do, stop watering. Place the dormancy plant into a cool, dark room for up to three months.

How do you plant a shamrock bulb?

How To Plant Oxalis Triangularis Bulbs

Fill a draining container about three-quarters full of a well-drained potting mix. ...
Place the Purple Shamrock bulbs on top of the soil, spacing several inches apart. ...
Cover the bulbs with soil so they are planted about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.

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.

Do shamrocks like full sun?

Light: Shamrocks need bright indirect light. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. ... Water: Keep the soil of a Shamrock barely moist but never soggy.

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.

What is a Purple Shamrock?

The purple-leaf shamrock, Oxalis triangularis, is a low-growing foliage plant for the garden that also makes for an attractive indoor plant with rich, vibrant, purple leaves. ... It is actually multiple small plants that grow as a group from bulbs. It has minimal needs, but one thing it cannot tolerate is overly wet soils.

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 often should I water my shamrock plant?

Water two to three times a month, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize after watering with a balanced houseplant food. Shamrock plants grow from tiny bulbs that may be planted in fall or early spring.

How do you prune a shamrock plant?

Pruning oxalis triangularis is actually very easy, and it doesn't take long to do maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks once the blooms fade. With clean pruning shears, you can snip off the stalk down at the plant's base. In the summer, your plant may begin to go dormant.