Oxalis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Shamrock or False Shamrock, is a perennial plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. Native to Brazil, it has gained popularity as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
The plant features three-leaf clovers that are purple on the underside and green on top. The leaves are triangular with smooth edges and can grow up to 4 inches in length. The plant's stems are thin and delicate, reaching up to 6 inches in height.
Purple Shamrock thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant can be propagated through division or by planting its bulb-like structures called tubers.
Purple woodsorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis purpurea, grows from small bulbs and forms small colonies. These plants feature three-lobed leaves and pale purple flowers. Both the leaves and flowers are photosensitive, meaning they open in the sunlight and close in the shade. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
Aside from being an appealing houseplant, Purple Shamrock has been utilized in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever and inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.
Overall, Oxalis purpurea is an easy-to-care-for houseplant with unique foliage that adds a pop of color indoors, while also having potential health benefits when used medicinally.
Purple Woodsorrel: Purple woodsorrel, also known as Oxalis purpurea, is a species of the oxalis plant. The name "purple" or the Latin epithet "purpurea" refers to the pale violet color of its flowers, distinguishing it from most other woodsorrel plants, which typically have white flowers. The terms "sorrel" and "oxalis" both derive from a word meaning "sour," reflecting the plant's sour taste. This flavor is due to the presence of oxalic acid, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Purple woodsorrel has strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally not severe. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a tidy appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Purple woodsorrel is well suited for people with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive experience in plant care. It may require more attention when kept indoors.
How to keep Oxalis Purpurea.
Light
Purple woodsorrel requires conditions comparable to full sun exposure for best growth and often originates from sunlit habitats. Nevertheless, it is adaptable and can tolerate lower-light situations. Both excessive and insufficient sun exposure can harm its vitality.
Water
Purple woodsorrel thrives in moist conditions and needs consistent hydration with evenly moist soil. While it is moderately drought-tolerant, it benefits from weekly watering. Primarily grown outdoors, its growth and flowering are best supported by adequate water availability.
Temperature
Purple woodsorrel comes from areas with mild temperatures and does best in an environment of 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). Keep it away from cold winters and excessively hot summers for optimal growth. Modify its surroundings when the seasons change to prevent temperature shock.
Fertilizer
For Purple woodsorrel, the primary time to apply fertilizer is in early spring when the flowers are starting to form. The proper fertilizer promotes stronger blooms and helps Purple woodsorrel produce attractive flowers. Fertilizing in early spring ensures good flowering through the season and supplies energy for dormant growth phases.
Pruning
To improve the density and bloom of purple woodsorrel, prune it from early to late spring. Trim away dead flowers and any overly long stems to maintain a neat shape. Be sure to use clean tools, and avoid cutting back too much to ensure optimal growth and prevent the plant from becoming invasive. Consistent, gentle maintenance is best for promoting healthy plants.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Oxalis
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-10
- Mature Height
- 8 cm to 15 cm
- Mature Spread
- 8 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple, Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 4.06 cm
- Bloom Time
- Spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Autumn, Winter, Spring
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- South Africa, Eswatini
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Purple woodsorrel?
To properly water the Purple woodsorrel, follow these guidelines: Use filtered water at room temperature or slightly warmer. Tap water may have harmful particles. Since the Purple woodsorrel originates from a warm environment, avoid using cold water as it can shock the plant. Instead of overhead watering, directly apply the filtered room temperature water to the soil until it is fully soaked. This method is beneficial as it moistens the roots and aids their spread through the soil for nutrient collection.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Purple woodsorrel?
Fertilization is important for the Purple woodsorrel for a few key reasons. It provides essential nutrients for the plant's growth above and below ground. However, the Purple woodsorrel has relatively low fertilization needs and can sometimes survive without it. Still, annual fertilization can greatly benefit the plant, keeping it healthy and potentially improving the longevity of its flowers. For those wanting their Purple woodsorrel to thrive, regularly fertilizing is recommended.
What are the sunlight requirements for Purple Woodsorrel?
Purple Woodsorrel thrives in conditions where it is fully exposed to the sun's rays, typically requiring above 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It can, however, tolerate partial sun conditions of about 3-6 hours of sunlight. This adaptability comes from its natural habitat, which is often under full sun exposure. Despite this flexibility, care should be taken to avoid both excess or insufficient sunlight as it could harm the plant's vitality. Additionally, when transitioning plants to different lighting conditions, it's important to do so gradually to ensure they adapt without stress.
What is the ideal temperature range for Purple Woodsorrel?
Purple Woodsorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis purpurea, thrives in mild temperature regions, with an ideal habitat temperature range between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). It is essential to avoid extremely cold winters and exceptionally hot summers to ensure the plant's ideal growth. During season changes, adjusting the plant's environment is crucial to prevent temperature shock. While Purple Woodsorrel has some tolerance to cold, typically not requiring special care above 0°C, precautions should be taken if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing by using protective measures like wrapping the plant with suitable materials.
What should I do if I give my Purple woodsorrel either too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a common issue that can harm your Purple woodsorrel plant. When it receives too much water, the stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Prolonged overwatering can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can kill the plant. In contrast, underwatering is less likely but can still occur. When this happens, the leaves of the plant become brittle and brown. It's important to recognize signs of overwatering early and reduce watering immediately to prevent irreversible damage. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If you notice signs of underwatering, simply water more regularly until the signs go away.
When should I fertilize my Purple woodsorrel for the best results?
The best time to fertilize a Purple woodsorrel is in late winter to early spring when it is transitioning from a dormant phase to a phase of active growth. Fertilizing at this time promotes healthy growth and sets the plant up for a successful season. Fertilizing in the fall is also acceptable, but it's important to avoid feeding the plant during summer and winter.
How can artificial lighting be used for Purple Woodsorrel indoors?
Indoor Purple Woodsorrel plants that lack natural sunlight can benefit greatly from artificial lighting. For optimal growth, it's essential that the artificial lights provide adequate brightness, mimicking natural sunlight as closely as possible. LED lights are a popular choice because they can offer specific wavelengths needed by plants. Full sun plants should receive 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft. The lights should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight intensity, and kept on for 8-12 hours a day to simulate the length of natural daylight hours.
How does low temperature affect Purple Woodsorrel, and what are the solutions?
Purple Woodsorrel has a moderate tolerance to low temperatures, preferring temperatures above 20°C for optimal growth. It should be kept above 0°C during winter to avoid damage. Exposure to temperatures below -5°C may cause the leaves to droop; while they can recover in mild cases, severe exposure can lead to wilted leaves eventually falling off. Solutions to protect Purple Woodsorrel from low temperatures include trimming frost-damaged parts, wrapping the plant with non-woven fabric or cloth, and constructing a wind barrier to protect it from cold winds.
How often do I need to water my Purple woodsorrel?
If your Purple woodsorrel is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. If you're growing Purple woodsorrel outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method. Again, if the first few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. Typically, this means watering once a week in spring and early fall. However, during extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice or more per week. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Purple woodsorrel can tolerate drought well.
When should I not put fertilizer on my Purple woodsorrel?
To avoid overfertilization and its complications, it is recommended to fertilize your Purple woodsorrel only during late winter and early spring. This plant has low fertilization needs, so one annual feeding is enough. However, if you didn't fertilize in spring, you can feed it in fall. During most of the growing season (spring, summer, and fall), refrain from fertilizing. Additionally, there is no need to fertilize during winter since the Purple woodsorrel is dormant and doesn't produce new growth during that time.
What are the symptoms of inadequate light in Purple Woodsorrel?
Inadequate light in Purple Woodsorrel can lead to several noticeable symptoms. These include the development of smaller leaves, a leggy or sparse growth appearance, faster leaf drop, slower or halted new growth, and lighter-colored or chlorotic new leaves. Other symptoms can include sunscald, which appears as pale or necrotic areas on the plant tissue; leaf scorching, characterized by brown, dry edges on leaves; leaf curling, which minimizes water loss; and wilting due to excessive water loss through transpiration. It's important to identify these symptoms early to address light deficiencies promptly.
What are the effects of high temperature on Purple Woodsorrel and how can they be mitigated?
During summer, it is crucial to keep Purple Woodsorrel below 35°C to prevent stress and damage. Temperatures exceeding 41°C can cause the leaves' color to lighten, tips to become dry and withered, leaves to curl, and increase the susceptibility to sunburn. To mitigate the effects of high temperatures, trim away sunburned and dried parts of the plant. Additionally, moving the plant to a shaded location or using a shade cloth during the intense midday and afternoon sun helps. Ensuring the soil remains moist through watering in the morning and evening is also beneficial.
