Purple Shamrocks in Winter
Hey plant folks! My purple shamrock has been thriving up until the winter temperature change — I keep it fairly close to the window. Does anybody know if shamrocks are drastically affected by these temp changes?
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@TimelessNeem Hello Bridget and welcome to Greg!
Light Conditions For Oxalis Triangularis Plants
For the best growth, place your Purple Shamrock in an indoor location that receives bright light. If indoor light conditions are too low, the plant’s growth won’t be as robust and it will have a tendency to become leggy.
If you notice this becoming a problem with your Purple Shamrock, just move it to a brighter location. If you desire to give your plant a break from indoor growth, place it in a partially sunny outdoor location and not in full sun. Although it grows best in a bright location indoors, the window reduces some of the sun’s rays and if the location outdoors is too sunny, the leaves can burn.
Indoor Temperature Requirements
The prime indoor temperatures that produce the best growth for Purple Shamrocks are between 60°F to 75°F. When temperatures inside the home become too hot, the foliage will wilt. During winter when conditions inside the home can be warmer due to artificial heating, make sure the plant is not sitting next to a heating vent.
How Often To Water Oxalis Triangularis
Your Purple Shamrock will be more forgiving if you forget to water than if you water too much, which leads to soggy soil conditions and problems with rot. Constantly wet conditions can end up killing your plant, so it’s imperative to water properly.
During the growing seasons of spring through summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
During the dormant season of fall and winter, water about every two to three weeks.
It is easy to check if your Purple Shamrock needs water by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch or so feels dry to the touch, apply water until it runs from the pot’s bottom drain holes.
During the dormant season, the plant has suspended its growing so it does not require the amount of water it needs while actively growing. When watering, use room temperature water and not water that is too cold.
Light Conditions For Oxalis Triangularis Plants
For the best growth, place your Purple Shamrock in an indoor location that receives bright light. If indoor light conditions are too low, the plant’s growth won’t be as robust and it will have a tendency to become leggy.
If you notice this becoming a problem with your Purple Shamrock, just move it to a brighter location. If you desire to give your plant a break from indoor growth, place it in a partially sunny outdoor location and not in full sun. Although it grows best in a bright location indoors, the window reduces some of the sun’s rays and if the location outdoors is too sunny, the leaves can burn.
Indoor Temperature Requirements
The prime indoor temperatures that produce the best growth for Purple Shamrocks are between 60°F to 75°F. When temperatures inside the home become too hot, the foliage will wilt. During winter when conditions inside the home can be warmer due to artificial heating, make sure the plant is not sitting next to a heating vent.
How Often To Water Oxalis Triangularis
Your Purple Shamrock will be more forgiving if you forget to water than if you water too much, which leads to soggy soil conditions and problems with rot. Constantly wet conditions can end up killing your plant, so it’s imperative to water properly.
During the growing seasons of spring through summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
During the dormant season of fall and winter, water about every two to three weeks.
It is easy to check if your Purple Shamrock needs water by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch or so feels dry to the touch, apply water until it runs from the pot’s bottom drain holes.
During the dormant season, the plant has suspended its growing so it does not require the amount of water it needs while actively growing. When watering, use room temperature water and not water that is too cold.
Don't know about the purple shamrock in particular, but the shamrock I have died back in the winter and comes back in the spring. I leave mine outside. My niece has one that blooms white, which is planted outside and multiplies.