Oxalis triangularis
False shamrock plants are unique and attractive houseplants that can add a pop of color to any home. While they don’t require a lot of maintenance, there are some tips you should know about taking care of them. Read on for more information about the best ways to take care of your false shamrocks plants.
False shamrock plants need bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive. If your plant is kept in an area with too little light, it may become leggy and floppy as it stretches itself out trying to reach the sun. Place your false shamrock near a window where it can get bright light, but not direct sunlight which could burn its leaves or scorch their bright colors. You can also supplement natural light with fluorescent lighting, just keep the lights at least 12-14 inches away from the plant so that it doesn’t get too much heat or too much light exposure at once.
When selecting soil for your false shamrock plants, look for one that is well-draining since these plants do not like sitting in wet soil for long periods of time. A good potting mix that has been amended with perlite or pumice will provide excellent drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture for the plant’s roots. Be sure to use a pot with draining holes otherwise you risk overwatering your plant.
False shamrocks prefer moist soil but do not like to be waterlogged, so make sure to water when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid over watering which can lead to root rot or other fungal issues. When watering your false shamrock, give it a thorough soaking until water runs out from the bottom of the pot then discard any excess liquid in order to prevent root rot from settling in too deeply into the soil.
False shamrocks are tropical plants and therefore enjoy warm temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C). As such, they prefer higher levels of humidity; aim for 40%-60%. In order to increase humidity around your false shamrock, try grouping multiple houseplants together or misting its leaves regularly with lukewarm water. Additionally, placing a small humidifier near your houseplant will help keep its leaves hydrated without overwatering — which can lead to pests and diseases — as well as promote healthy growth overall!
Fertilizing is important when caring for any houseplant including false shamrocks but only fertilize during periods of active growth (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer diluted by half according to instructions on the packaging; this will help ensure you don't burn delicate roots from overfertilization. Additionally, during fall and winter months refrain from fertilizing as this is when most plants enter a period of dormancy; fertilizing during these months could cause stress rather than promote growth!