Shamrocks (Oxalis)
The earliest reference to the shamrock was in the 5th century when St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the Druids. There is no proof of knowing that this really happened, however, the shamrock continued to become a part of Irish legend and history. Today in Ireland, the three-lobed leaf is a symbol of Ireland and is proudly worn as a “good luck” badge on St. Patrick’s day.
The “lucky clover” is not the same as the Shamrock plant sold at the grocery stores around St. Patrick’s day. The word shamrock is derived from Celtic word, “trefoil” (three-leafed), or “little clover”. Trifolium repens is the small white clover that is found in lawns and also used as a green manure cover crop. Irish experts consider this to be the true shamrock. Although, others may argue that the yellow flowered (Trifolium dubium) is the real deal. Both are difficult to grow indoors.
The ones sold in grocery stores referred to as a “shamrock” belong to a large family of Oxalis with over 800 varieties, native to Chile and South Africa. They grow from small corms or tuberous roots which produce delicate, clover-like leaves that are light sensitive and close on cloudy days and at night (nyctinstic movements). The leaves range from a green to purple with flowers that come in a variety of colors; white, cream, yellow, pink, purple and red.
Oxalis regnelli, sold as the shamrock plant, has white flowers and green foliage. Another version, O. triangularis has purple leaves with pinkish to white flowers.
CARE
Indoors – keep in a well-lit location (east or west window) away from hot and cold drafts at temperatures of 60-70F during the day and 55-65F at night. They should be kept barely moist at all times and not allowed to stand in water as that will cause root rot. Fertilize every 2 -4 weeks with a houseplant fertilizer. The plant is relatively pest free and may be planted outdoors when the weather gets warm or kept as a houseplant. After blooming, if the plant dies back, allow it to go dormant for 1-3 months. The corms should be kept cool and dry. After dormancy, repot and or divide the corms (optional). When signs of new growth emerge, begin to water, fertilize and move to a sunny spot. Oxalis regnelli and O.triangularis are hardy in zone 6-10. There are hardier varieties that can be grown outdoors as a nice ground cover.
Troubleshooting: Tall & lanky plant – needs more light, too warm (temps over 75)
Yellowing plant – watering too much.
May the luck of the Irish be with you!
Happy St. Patty’s!!
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If the edges of my Shamrock are turning brown, what does that mean? It is growing and seems to do well except for the browning. Thanks
My shamrocks at home are turning brown, too. The ones I have at work at beautifully vibrant, green and red. What should I do? I don’t want to lose the ones I have at home. Thanx! Kim, San Antonio
I have had a shamrock for about 5 years in an African Violet pot (self watering). It has bloomed very rarely and now has green spots on it’s beautiful deep purple leaves. I keep it in a well-lighted area but not in direct sunlight. The water in the reservoir always has Liquid Miracle Grow plan food in it. Please help!
Thanks, Susan
Droopy stems
To Dawn B: we too had problems with drooping long stemmed leaves and blossoms .we fashioned a four legged affair topped by a thin square of scrap panneling with a circular 8″ dia hole. we slit a old garden hose to line the edge for friendly corners. hose length Pi x dia , roughly 3×10 in or case.the legs were 3/4 sq wood stock screwed to bottom of the sq. panel,they are 2-3″ longer than depth of pot. we lowered the pot thr u the hole from above ,the rounded edge collared the stems ever so gently.good luck .it worked swell for us
My Shamrock Plant is doing well – except it has somehow has attracted these small gnat-like insects. How can I get rid of these? I was thinking of handling it systemically with a product?
Question: my purple shamrock plant is a few years old and is dormant, I think, for the first time. I’ve stopped watering for the most part and keep the room dark. I’m noticing that the corms are sticking out well above the soil line and the leaves don’t look very healthy. I don’t want the plant to die – what should I do? Thanks!
Chlorotic ring spot virus
My indoor shamrock plants have developed white and brown spots over all the leaves. Is there a way to treat this problem?
Are the white tubers stemming from the corms of the purple Oxalis viable for planting/flourishing or should I toss them after harvesting the corms? Are they poisonous (oxalic acid)?
my oxalis needs to be repotted. all i read so far has not mentioned how deep to set the corms. please inform me of any rule of thumb.
I have had a purple oxalis plant for several months. When it was purchased, it had about 4 leaves and a few flowers. A few more leaves grew, the flowers fell off, and now for the past several months there have been only 6 leaves. I water it frequently and live in a low light apartment. What should I do to make it grow again? Thank you.
My poor purple shamrock now only has one stem left. I’ve had it for about 3 years, and it seems to go up and down from an abundance of leaves and flowers to just a few. I assume that is typical because it always bounces back. This time, I’m not so sure because there’s no sign of new growth. Is there anything I can do to save it, or is it time to look for a new one? This was my favorite plant!
My 10 year old shamrock has developed whitish, grayish spots that seem to be fungal in nature. When new leaves appear, they are perfect, but soon “catch” the fungus from existing leaves. There are no aphids, flies or other insects that I can observe. Otherwise the plant seems to be healthy, and produces abundant white flowers. Any solution to my problem?
I am going to replant my “Shamrock” or Oxalis and have never did it before and I have a few questions. You mentioned the planting depth should be 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep but do you plant the “Tuber” or “Rhizome” vertical or horizontal in the pot?? Kind of a weird question but I really dont want to kill my little friend. Oh, do you seperate the little seeds off of the tuber as well and plant the seeds that that way? My Sham and I would appreciate your help and I have bookmarked your page for future referances. Thanks for the help.
How long will it take for a dormant shamrock to start to grow, and how can I tell if it is dormant or just dead?
Do purple shamrocks, if planted outside, spread as bad as green shamrocks?
I recently moved and after being in my new apartment for two weeks I have started noticing yellow, greenish spots that look almost “sprayed” on the leaves of my very healthy Shamrocks! Could this be chlorotic ring spotting?
Is it possible it came from something off of the dusty blinds in the new place? Will my other plants near it get infected too?
Thanks!
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how long does it take for bulbs to sprout? Planted mine 2 weeks ago and nothing yet…using peat pellets and keeping moist, but not saturated, am I doing this correctly? Oh, and plenty of light during the day and temps are within acceptable limits…
I have small baby oxalis growing out from the top of my flowers on my Triangularis what do I do with them , can I just pot them up? etc thanks for any help re this question
I posted a comment weeks ago saying that I had moved and my shamrocks were spotting and seemingly dying quickly…
Robyn Maitland
I just wanted to update you and tell you that I continued to pull the spotted stalks and then had to go out of town for a few days – when I returned, I found them healthy again and thriving!
Thanks for your help
Hooray!That’s great!
CUpdate on my shamrock - all the leaves died and now I have 10 new leaves
)
One question – my plant had an upper layer of moss which I removed so some of the corms are exposed slightly above the soil – shall I add some soil to cover the corms or is it ok for them to be exposed?
I HAVE A PURPLE SHAMROCK AND THE LEAVES ARE SO LONG AND THEY’RE DROOPING NOT MATTER HOW MUCH OR HOW LITTLE I WATER THEM. SOMEONE TOLD ME TO CUT THEM ALL DOWN AND THEY’LL COME BACK. IS THIS TRUE? I’M AFRAID I’LL KILL IT IF I CUT IT BACK.
Shamrocks (Oxalis) Can anyone tell me if the sap from the common Oaxlis could make skin burn &tingle? Inadvertantly got some sap(i think) on my lip whilst weeding today. Very unpleasant!! Shiona
Shamrocks (Oxalis)I have had a purple oxalis in my front garden for years and have basically ignored it. It comes back bigger and better every year. This year I have noticed that the leaves have an orange spots on their underside. What is this? Help
Kim, San Antonio, TX
I received a pot of purple oxalis as a gift a few months ago— the plant was a sample of a larger plant that had been growing for quite some time. I have never seen it grow flowers, and it usually has only around ten leaves (the plant is not very dense). But the leaves it does have are large and healthy-looking. Could the problem be that it’s so warm this time of year, or should I let it go dormant for a month? How can I tell?
Shamrocks (Oxalis)
I was given a root mass of oxalis regnellii…separated the rhizomes and have repotted 1 rhizome per large coffee mug (with rocks in the bottom for drainage) to give as gifts. Little plants are growing well and started blooming with 2 weeks of being planted in mid-August. I have 2 questions: I would like to be able to tell the gift recipients how long they can expect it to take before they would need to divide or repot their plants. Since the plants started blooming immediately, I would also like to know when you think their normal “growing season” is–summer or fall? Thanks for your help!
Shamrocks (Oxalis) My shamrocks are years old. I never remember them going dormant. The inside plants both have developed the white spots similar to your description of chlorotic ring spot. They’re in an east window with African violets and orchids. Neither of these seem to have the spots. Do I discard the shamrocks? What about the other plants? Thanks.
When my shamrocks came out of hibernation last year, they got really “leggy.” They have Western light, and lean like crazy. Would they be happier in the ground (in central Florida), or should I wait until the next dormancy? Or might they need a bigger container than the 7″ clay pot they’re in?
Shamrocks (Oxalis)
Comment on Plant & Gardening Tips, for topic: Shamrocks (Oxalis)
After reading this thread, I am assuming my pink-flowered oxalis has P. oxalis rust. These plants are in beds at the foot of Madame Galen trumpet vines which shade our arbor in the hot Texas summers. For the past 3 or more years the trumpet vine leaves have turned yellow, developed brown spots, and dropped and thus no shade for us. Are these two problems related?
Rust
My purple Shamrocks have been growing happily in my Richmond, Virginia garden for years. Recenty, however they have developed a heavy coating of a yellow-orange powder which completely covers the underside of the leaves. In a few days, the affected leaves wither away. I do not see insects, so I assume the powder is a fungus. it does not seem to be affecting any other plants in the garden. However, purple shamrocks located in various areas are all affected. What should I do? I prefer the most eco-friendly approach possible.
Hello- I purchased a green shamrock plant about 4 months ago, since then it has grown very well and has bloomed constantly. Recently I have noticed that the leaves look “pitted” and some of the leaves have white spots on them. I have inspected the leaves for insects but have not found any. I have the plant sitting on a southeast window ledge where it seems to get plenty of sun light. Are these white spots considered chlorotic ring spot disease and if so any suggestions? Thank you
I have an Oxalis that I have had for about 2 years. It has been veryhealthy, but I cannot move it from its location by the window, otherwise it will just die down. As long as I leave it in its present location (easterly window) it continues to thrive
I need a little help. My daughter gave me an oxalis triangularis (sp?) for Mother’s Day 2002, it was started in an old soup can at school. 2 years ago i finally got up the courage to repot it into a “real” flower pot. It flourished! Which is quite a feat for me (i have a black thumb). Anyways, now the pot has become too small and the corm (?) is beginning to stick out above the soil. I know i need to divide it and repot both into their own pots, but i’m an idiot when it comes to this. I have NO IDEA what to do or how to do it. Unfortunately the only info i’ve been able to find just says to divide the corm, how many inches, etc. I need to know how to divide the corm. Any help would be awesome because I’m afraid it’s not going to last much longer the way it is. Thank you!
Great page. I have had my green Oxalis for 3 years – I don’t think it has ever gone completely dormant, until just recently when I thought I’d killed it. I was moving, and it wilted in the heat – then it was outside for some fresh air and a rainstorm broke all the stems. 1 little shoot survived, but died shortly after. The plant appeared completely dead, and dried out pretty well.
I was so thrilled when 1 new shoot appeared a few weeks ago. Since then I have watered it and put it in the sunlight. It still only has 1 shoot. Is now a good time to repot (hasn’t been repotted in 3 yrs), or should I wait till it goes dormant again? What can I do to promote more growth – it still just has 1 stalk.
The tips of the leaves of my oxalis are ruffly as if they’ve been nibbled on – there are a couple of small holes in the leaves too. I looked for pests, but can’t see anything on the leaves. There are a couple of small puckers in the leaves too, but otherwise they appear a nice dark green. Is there a pest? Please advise!
Shamrocks (Oxalis)
I have recently taking a cutting of my very successful oxalis triangularis to France where it is growing nicely in a couple of pots inside. However I noticed on my last visit that it seems to have become ‘French’! By that I mean that the leaves seem to shut down between 12-3pm (even though it is in a bright spot) as if it is taking a ’siesta’, something my plants have never done in the UK. Can anyone explain why this might happen?
Many thanks
Shamrocks (Oxalis)
Oh – and to add to the above – the leaves were puckered/curled when they emerged from the soil. This has not progressed after they unfold.
Are the leaves of the shamrock (oxalis) plant edible? Can they be used as garnish on a salad for St. Patrick’s Day without making anyone ill?
Help,shamrocks have taken over my backyard. They are taking over all flowerpots. Shamrock is growing in the flowerbeds,in borders,everywhere. Where did it come from? Can it smother my potted plants? Should I enjoy this plant or be concerned? I have never purchased a shamrock plant,where did it all come from? Thanks!
I planted my corms as a houseplant 5 weeks ago. Nothing! Followed the guidelines. Light watering, about 12 hours + of indirect sunlight. Keep my house at 69 degrees. Am I doing something wrong?
I wanted to send a picture of the issue on my Oxalis shamrock, but I don’t see any links to that. My plant was healthy, is blooming and still sending up new leaves. I had divided and transplanted the bulbs a couple months ago when I thought it was going to die and I would lose the whole plant. I did not know it goes through a natural cycle as a houseplant. However, now leaves, one by one that looked healthy, are starting to turn green then brown and even turn a dark blue in spots around the edges, and eventually the whole plant dies. I have been using my aquarium water to water all my house plants. I also have a coleus that is also developing problems…looks like tan scabs on the underneath of the plant. Since this is happening to two plants at the same time, I am inclined to think it’s the fish water….maybe over doing it…thoughts? Sorry for the book. I don’t usually have problems with my plants in house.
Hi Pam
Could it be a matter of watering too much?
Hi, I’ve repotted my shamrock and now the leaves are droopy and the leaves don’t open…HELP
I got small oxalis root several years ago.It was blooming and I enjoyed it .Now leaves of the plants become rusty and get dryed.I removed leaves but it started again.Please give me advise what should I do? Thank you.Nelya
My shamrocks,that came from the grocery store this past St. Patty’s day, were doing great until now. They have yellow spots on the top of the leaves but under the leaves is a bright orange powder. What can I use to kill whatever is hurting my plant?
I just recently acquired some shamrock seeds. I have planted these seeds and the shamrocks are already growing nice and tall. Actually they are getting so tall that they are starting to fall over. Do these plants require a stake and being tied up?
I’ve had my purple shamrocks for 6 months and still only have about 10 stems and have never seen flowers. Is that normal and what should i be feeding them?
Rust on shamrock
I live in Virginia and have several purple shamrock plants in different locations through out my yard that develope small orange spots or pustules on the under side of the leafs. It eventually makes a hole in the leaf as if an insect is eating it. I followed your advise on previous posts and remove infective leaves as soon as I see the orange spots as well as increase the air flow. The problem is everytime new leafs come up they develope the orange spots and I have to pull them off. Is it possible the whole root is infected with something.
HELP
we have pink shamrocks. the flowers and the clover-like leaves are beautiful!
I have recenty started a purple shamrock from one of my neighbors plants. So far there’s 4 shoots, each with a purple, shamrock type leave on the end…how long till the bulbs(tubulars) multiply so it starts to look like a real plant instead of 4 leaves in a pot??
Hi- I’ve had the same shamrock plant for more than 20 years- it was a gift from my mom who has since passed away, so I am very attached to it. Over the last few months it started to bloom less, and I noticed it had lost a lot of soil, so the corms were exposed. This had happened before, so I ignored it. I’ve never noticed it going dormant before. Unfortunately, my husband over-watered it while I was away on business; I came home to very soggy soil and all exposed corms and 2 leaf blooms left. I dug through the soil and took out all the corms and planted them in new dirt, I haven’t watered it as it seemed like the corms were wet. There were no roots, just bulbs or corms. Have I done the right things in re-planting it? Should I just leave the corms alone in the soil assuming it is just dormant? Should I water it at all?
Thanks for any help or insight.
Aphids and slugs
Hello. I have recently discovered aphids on my Oxalis. What should I do to get rid of them? Also, I have run across slugs eating my purple Oxalis. Is there a treatment to keep them off? Thanks.
I have a purple oxalis which i think is 3 years old.The leaves are turning pale and will not open during the day.Some of the corms are a little above the soil surface.It was very dense in the spring and summer it is now september and it is getting very sparse. Can you please help me as my daughter gave me this plant and I absolutely love it.Thanks for the help
After reading all this, I still need help! I have both green and purple oxalis. I’ve had the green one for a couple of years and it’s never gone dormant. Up until about two months ago, it was growing so much, I split it into two pots. I figured it might have to re-adjust after re-planting, but now it has white spots (which I’m reasonably certain is not caused by chlorotic ring spot), and the leaves are crumpling. They look like deflated balloons. Now the purple plant is starting the same thing. Should I let them dry out and go dormant or cut them back? It seems to still be growing, the leaves have good color, but it just looks terrible.
My purple oxalis is turning green.HELP