Herald of spring
False shamrock is a March delight
KNOWN AS A SYMBOL OF SPRING, oxalis is often available for purchase only in March as a seasonal decoration. There are hundreds of species of oxalis—also called false shamrock—but only a few are grown as houseplants and some are common weeds.
Leaves can be green, red or purple, and some have patterns. These plants are best known for their triangular clover-like shape, but also because they are nyctinastic, which means their leaves and flowers move or fold up at night, or in dark conditions.
Many varieties of oxalis are small bulbs and will go naturally dormant for a time. Dormancy is most common in the summer after flowering. Common houseplant varieties are rhizomatous, producing underground stems, and are less prone to go dormant. Temperatures over 75 degrees, very low light, excessive dryness or overwatering are all triggers that can initiate dormancy.
Ideal growing conditions include bright filtered light, air temperature of 60 to 70 degrees and soil that is allowed to dry between waterings. If something upsets its harmonious cycle and your oxalis starts to go dormant, let it. Stop watering and remove the leaves as they drop, then place it in a dark, cool location for one to three months. After that time, bring it back into a bright window and begin watering, which will initiate new growth and flowering.
This mounding plant typically blooms in the winter. Flowers tend to be white, yellow, pink or red. Oxalis is right at home growing in small clay, plastic or glazed pots with a drain hole, and requires well-draining soil. Fertilize monthly only during active growth periods, using a quarter of the recommended rate of a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
