Skip to main content

Plant of the week: Oxalis, an easy-care, purple plant

Whether you got this plant as a gift and want to be sure to care for it properly, or you’ve been dying to get one and want to be sure you’re equipped to care for it before purchasing, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll be covering every aspect of caring for the oxalis plant. This stunning plant is lovingly given as gifts during St. Patrick’s Day and is a favorite among purple plant lovers.

We’re sure you’re going to want to share this one on your social feeds as soon as you get your hands on it. So let’s make sure you’re ready to take care of it!

Related Videos
oxalis plant

What is an oxalis?

There is a good chance you’ve never heard this plant called by its real name. The oxalis plant is better known as the shamrock plant; however, there is some confusion around the difference between a shamrock and a clover. To put it simply, not all clovers are shamrocks, but all shamrocks are clovers. But don’t feel bad about getting confused; even botanists can’t decide which clovers are shamrocks. Luckily, we know that the variety called oxalis, which we will be talking about today, is undoubtedly a shamrock and a beautiful one.

You’ve likely seen these stunning purple plants around grocery stores, hardware stores, and garden centers around St. Patrick’s Day. They have three heart-shaped leaves, and when given enough light, they produce delicate tiny white flowers. The leaves open when the sun comes up and close back down when it sets. These little dancing plants are given as gifts and often die because of improper care. However, they’re relatively easy to care for if you know what you’re doing. They can grow up to 12 inches tall and wide, and if grown outdoors in window boxes or garden beds, they can be pretty invasive.

oxalis plant with white flowers

Care tips for oxalis

Anytime we gardeners get a new plant, there are a few weeks of tension as you wait to see how the plant adapts to its new home. Luckily for you, the oxalis plant is a hardy plant that will likely adapt to your conditions like a champ. To ensure you’re giving it everything it needs, here are the care tips that will allow this plant to thrive.

Water

Like most plants, the oxalis plant does not like to sit in water. So wait to water this beauty when the soil is mostly dry, then give it a good soaking. The best way to avoid root rot is to keep the plant in its nursery pot or plant it in a pot with a drainage hole. When you water it, take it to the sink and gently let the water run through until it comes out the bottom. Leave it in your sink until the water stops dripping and return it to its tray. This will allow the soil to soak up as much as possible and give the plant the space to dry out and not get its feet too wet.

Light

This plant can be grown indoors and out, but its lighting needs to change a bit depending on where you decide to keep it. When indoors, the oxalis plant will prefer a bright window with some direct sunlight. This will give the plant plenty of light and encourage it to grow those pretty little flowers. However, when moved outdoors, this plant often shrivels up and dies when placed in direct sunlight. So be sure to find a shadier spot for this plant when outside.

Food

Feeding the shamrock plant is easy; it needs monthly feeding during the growing seasons but doesn’t need anything during the dormant season.

Humidity

When it comes to humidity needs, this plant is easy! It isn’t sensitive to low or high humidity and will be perfectly happy with the average humidity level in your home. Just remember that the more humid the location is, the less watering the plant will need.

Temperature

Anywhere between 65 degrees and 85 degrees will keep this pretty purple plant happy. However, once temperatures hit 60 degrees, you’ll start to see some damage to the plant. So if you’re keeping this plant outside and want to bring it in before the weather kills it, keep an eye on the forecast.

Toxicity

Unfortunately, this plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. So if you have a pet that likes to take a little sample of your plants, you might want to avoid getting the oxalis or place it in a room or location where the pet can’t get to it.

You’ve done the first and most crucial step of ensuring your oxalis plant will last you for years and years: educating yourself. Remember not to let the plant sit in too much water, and don’t forget that it likes shade outside, but a bright sunny spot when inside.

Editors' Recommendations

Easy hoya plants to add to your indoor plant collection
Common hoyas and how to care for them properly
Hoya pubicalyx

With straightforward care, glossy leaves, and gorgeous blooms, hoyas, or wax plants, are one of the most beloved houseplants out there. These semi-succulent plants can thrive even through occasional periods of neglect. They seldom need more than well-draining potting mix and thorough watering, which makes them ideal for plant enthusiasts who want something beautiful, yet low maintenance. Ahead, we've rounded up the easiest hoya plants to add to your collection, breaking down care requirements for each.

Hoya pubicalyx
Native to the Philippines, the hoya pubicalyx is relatively unfussy. Its speckled flat green leaves look great trailing from a hanging basket. As long as you fertilize throughout the growing season and keep your plant in indirect sunlight, you should see relatively quick growth. When it’s time to bloom, the pubicalyx will push out dusty pink, star-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance. You should water your plant when the soil dries out and the leaves feel slightly limp — remember to dump out excess water to prevent root rot.

Read more
Do ZZ plants cause cancer? Here’s the definitive answer
ZZ plants can be toxic to people and pets, but this is usually mild
Woman waters ZZ plants

 

The ZZ plant is a terrific option for those in need of a new leafy companion that thrives in low light and isn't picky about watering or maintenance. It's attractive and easy to care for, but if not handled properly, the ZZ plant can be toxic to people and pets. In fact, rumors have circulated in some corners of the internet that ZZ plants can cause cancer.

Read more
Are these common houseplants safe for your cat? Read this guide to find out the scoop
Which houseplants to avoid if you have a curious cat
Indoor plant collection

Bringing new plants into your home is an exciting part of being a gardener, but you may not be the only one taking an interest in your plants. If you have a curious kitty, you might need to worry about them chewing on your houseplants. This isn’t great for your plants, of course, but it can also harm your cat! While some plants are harmless to chew on, others are toxic. If you want to know if your houseplants are safe for cats, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of some of the most common houseplants and how safe they are for cats.

Cat-safe houseplants
Spider plants are low-maintenance houseplants safe for your cat to nibble on. While you should still try to keep your kitty from eating too much of it, this is more for the plant’s sake than theirs.

Read more