Caring for Your Oxalis Triangularis
A quick care guide for Oxalis houseplant.
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It’s time for a #stopkillinghouseplants post! I hope my #stopkillinghouseplants series can help you end your stint as a houseplant serial killer. The first plant in my series is the: Oxalis Triangularis.
Caring for the Oxalis is pretty straightforward, but some varieties of the plant can be considered weed. Even so, it is a popular perennial plant that often shows up on Instagram feeds and in gardening stores around St. Patrick’s Day.
Oxalis is a large family of flowering plants in the sorrel family with close to 800 species. It is found in most areas of the world and is very common in Mexico, South Africa, and Brazil. The plant is sometimes referred to as a false shamrock because of its leaves’ shape but is not a member of the shamrock family.
Oxalis triangularis (AKA false shamrock)
Description: It is native to Brazil and known for its bold, beautiful colors that range from deep violet to crimson red. Oxalis is a mounding plant and can grow about 12 inches tall and wide. Some varieties spread quickly!
My Quick Care Tips: Oxalis requires multiple hours of direct sunlight each day. They’re perfect for a south-facing sunroom or window that gets plenty of light! Like some houseplants, this one isn’t good for pets to nibble on, so take caution when choosing a lower placement that may be easy for cats, dogs, or even kiddos to take a taste.
Why I Love It: I love how active Oxalis are! Oxalis are nycytinastic, meaning they open and close as the sun rises and sets & they lean left to right as the sun moves throughout the day. I also love how often they blossom. I’ve gifted this plant to my mom and my cousin, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique houseplant to add to their home.
Soil Recommendation for Oxalis: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is ideal. I use diluted coffee to help with the acidity of the soil and fertilize my Oxalis.
Where to Buy It: You may be able to find it at Home Depot or your local farmer’s market, but if not, you can order on Etsy or Amazon.
I love my Oxalis Triangularis !!
I give it coffee as well, it really likes it, especiallly in winter when the majority of owners are putting it in hibernation until next spring.
I don’t dilute the coffee, I just reuse the coffee ground after having brewed coffee for me.
Well maintained, I can nearly double the roots every year
Usually, I prepare another two jars of coffee with used coffee ground, but I think I could even do it 3 times.