Common Name: purple shamrock, love plant, wood sorrell. false shamrock
Botanical Name: Tradescantia pallida
Welcome the Purple Shamrock (Oxalis violacea) into your home! This unique and quirky plant sports magenta clover-like leaves that will add a majestic pop of color to any room, perfect for the plant-lover who loves to stand out. It needs bright indirect light and consistent watering, and if you’re lucky, small flowers will sprout beside its vibrant leaves! Add it to your collection and watch your room transform!
Light
Purple Shamrock prefers bright, indirect light. You should put this plant in a spot where it gets bright, filtered sunlight for several hours per day. Don’t allow this plant to be in the direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoon hours. It can lead to leaf burn.
Water
You should water your Purple Shamrock plant once a week or every 7-10 days. Your plant will require to be watered more often during the spring and summer season. During the fall and winter months, you can reduce the frequency of watering to let the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
Soil
The best soil for your Purple Shamrock is a well-draining and slightly acidic soil mix. It’s crucial that you use a soil mixture that lets extra water to drain out quickly, to prevent the risk of root rot for your plant. Ideally, the pH range should be around 6.0 to 6.5.
Temperature
Your Purple Shamrock will do best in temperatures that are between 65°F and 75°F. Don’t allow this plant near cold drafts because that can negatively impact your plant. Also make sure your plant doesn’t endure too much fluctuations in temperatures.
Humidity
The Purple Shamrock loves to be in high humidity. Ideally, you should aim for humidity levels between 40% to 60%. This range replicates where the plant originally came from. To increase the humidity, you can mist it, group plants together, provide a humidity tray or pebble tray, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to your Purple Shamrock every two to four weeks during the growing season, which is usually spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an equal ration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. We suggest 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. These ratios help the plants overall health. Always adjust your fertilization routine when it is the fall and winter months. You won’t need to fertilize your plant as often.
Growth Rate
The mature height that a Purple Shamrock can reach is around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 30 cm). However, depending how much care you provide it, your plant could grow a bit taller – up to 18 inches (45 cm).
Pet Friend or Foe
Purple Shamrock plants are non-toxic to pets! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Your Purple Shamrock plant prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
- Get rid of any damaged leaves to keep up with the plants look and overall health!
- This plant is easy to propagate by division. You can divide the plant during the spring and summer months and then replant the divisions in well-draining soil.