Oxalis purpurea is a summer-deciduous, winter-growing dwarf geophyte seldom higher than 6 or 7 cm. It forms a small rosette or mound up to 20 cm in diameter of trifoliate (clover-like) leaves which are dark green and not visibly hairy. It is unique amongst dicotyledonous plants in that it forms true bulbs which are often buried deep underground. Each bulb produces a single thin underground stem which gives rise to the above-ground rosette. The bulbs readily proliferate by producing smaller bulbils, each also producing a single stem, often resulting in a posy of plants and flowers in one place. Flowers may be white to pink or purple-red.
How to Grow and Care
The oxalis is an easy-to-grow houseplant that has clover-like green or purple leaves and blossoms in white, pink, red or yellow. Propagate the oxalis plant by dividing the plant corms after the dormant season.
Light: This colorful plant is best grown in partial shade. Bright sun will be too much for this plant.
Soil: Grow in well-drained soil. If you are growing it in the ground, make compost (if you do not already have some), so that you can work it into the ground to loosen the soil and provide nutrients.
Water: Water adequately to get them established, after which point their water needs are minimal.
Temperature: They grow best in cool temperatures between 60ºF to 70ºF (15ºC to 21ºC) during the day and 55ºF to 65ºF (13ºC to 18ºC) at night.
Fertilizer: A little compost should be all the feeding the purple shamrock requires. Even that is not necessary for these easy to care for plants.
Origin: Oxalis purpurea It is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, but it is known on most continents as an introduced species.
Propagation
To propagate the plant, simply split the plant into smaller plants and place them in their own pots. Keep it out of direct sunlight until new shoots appear.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE OXALIS
- Scientific name: Oxalis purpurea L.
- Common names: Grand duchess sorrel
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Species: O. purpurea
- Genus: Oxalis
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| source pic: flickr.com |
How to Grow and Care
The oxalis is an easy-to-grow houseplant that has clover-like green or purple leaves and blossoms in white, pink, red or yellow. Propagate the oxalis plant by dividing the plant corms after the dormant season.
Light: This colorful plant is best grown in partial shade. Bright sun will be too much for this plant.
Soil: Grow in well-drained soil. If you are growing it in the ground, make compost (if you do not already have some), so that you can work it into the ground to loosen the soil and provide nutrients.
Water: Water adequately to get them established, after which point their water needs are minimal.
Temperature: They grow best in cool temperatures between 60ºF to 70ºF (15ºC to 21ºC) during the day and 55ºF to 65ºF (13ºC to 18ºC) at night.
Fertilizer: A little compost should be all the feeding the purple shamrock requires. Even that is not necessary for these easy to care for plants.
Origin: Oxalis purpurea It is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, but it is known on most continents as an introduced species.
Propagation
To propagate the plant, simply split the plant into smaller plants and place them in their own pots. Keep it out of direct sunlight until new shoots appear.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE OXALIS
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| source pic: flickr.com |
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