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How to Grow and Care for Shamrocks as House Plants
Oxalis species
      
Melissa wrote and asked: "I am writing concerning a shamrock plant I received as a gift recently.
Every day it has leaves that have turned completly yellow.
I've been removing these leaves, but it has continued to happen.
The yellow leaves are usually the smaller, newer leaves.
Is there anything I can do to help this plant survive?"
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Growing Requirements for Shamrock Plants
Shamrock plants are easy to grow bulbs, but they do have a few cultivation requirements.
Shamrocks grow best when the receive cool fresh air, are growing in moist soil and are grown in bright light but not direct sun.
Shamrocks require a dormant stage
Shamrocks are bulb type plants, and like all bulbs they need a period of dormancy to rest, every once in a while. Your potted Shamrock plant will need a couple rest periods every year to continue growing their best.
When your shamrock plant starts looking a little punky, stop watering and as the leaves all turn brown, pull them off.
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Set the planter somewhere that it will remain cool and dry for about two or three months.
Note: The purple leaved varieties of Shamrocks only need about a month of rest.
After your Shamrocks have enjoyed their 'vacation' you can resume watering and give them a shot of all purpose house plant food (10-10-10),
and in a very short time you will be rewarded with a happy new set of fresh growth.
Propagating Shamrock Plants
At the end of the dormant cycle you might want to remove the Shamrock bulbs or tubers from the pot.
Separate the bulbs and replant just under the surface of the soil in good, slightly sandy houseplant soil.
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Shamrock Plants
Oxalis oregona |
Oxalis adenophylla |
Oxalis regnellii |
See also: How to Grow and Care for Silver Shamrocks
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