False Shamrock / Love Plant / Purple Shamrock

Botanical Name: Oxalis Triangularis

Oxalis Triangularis, or False Shamrock, is a perennial commonly grown as a houseplant.  This eye-catching plant has deep maroon leaves in the trifoliate pattern usually associated with clovers, lending it the ‘false shamrock’ descriptor.  Although it has pretty white flowers, its maroon leaves are undoubtedly the main attraction of this plant. Prospective owners may also be interested to learn that the leaves of the false shamrock close up in response to darkness.

Although native to South America, False Shamrock prefers relatively cool temperatures sitting at around 15 degrees Celsius and should not be exposed to temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius.  A store-bought soil will be fine as long as it drains well. False Shamrock likes indirect sunlight, and it should not be watered during winter.

False Shamrock / Love Plant / Purple Shamrock

Plant Care

LightIndirect bright

WaterWhen it is dry to the touch, give it a quick drink

SoilRegular

Pet FriendlyToxic if your pet is prone to nibbling

NoteCan stand a little unintentional neglect, even if it looks like it’s had its day they have been known to literally ‘come back from the dead’ due to the way they retreat into their bulbs below the soil, waiting for a little water to bring them back to life. But fear not, they are not zombies and won’t be after your blood.