Also called Irish shamrock, lucky clover, wood sorrel
(Oxalis species)
Oxalis species come in many colors and leaf shapes. Fibrous-rooted types grow year-round; bulbous or semi-bulbous ones need rest after bloom.
Light
Place in high light in winter and medium (bright indirect) light rest of year. Vary location as necessary to provide just the right light.
Water
Keep evenly moist. Mist lightly each day. Avoid sogginess. Reduce water for bulbous and semi-bulbous varieties during dormancy. Increase water to stimulate new growth in spring.
Temperature
Maintain average temperatures during day and cool temperatures (into 50s) at night. Keep bulbous and semi-bulbous varieties constantly cool (50 degrees) during dormancy.
Comments
Plant nine bulbs a half inch deep in five-inch pot. Avoid acid soil. Feed with dilute solution every 14 days March to late August. For bulbous and semi-bulbous types, reduce water and food to induce dormancy in fall and winter. Remove faded blossoms and spent foliage. Keep cool and barely moist. Water more in spring. Propagate by seed, root division, tip cuttings with a few varieties, or bulb offsets.
