Shamrock Plant

Botanical Name: Oxalis species and hybrids

Shamrock Plant is cherished for its resemblance to four leaf clovers, making it a popular St. Patrick's Day gift plant.

Perhaps you could consider these St. Patrick's Day shamrocks "lucky" because they are easy to grow. These perennial plants thrive in average room conditions, making shamrock care a breeze.

Shamrock plants make great house plants. When grown outdoors, shamrocks have an invasive nature. Their fast-spreading tuberous roots can spread like wildfire. However, when confined to a container, you can put this plant on your windowsill to enjoy the lush, clover-like leaves and charming little flowers up-close.

Given enough light, you can expect lots of blooms in the spring and summer. The 5-petaled flowers are held on tall, slender stems above the foliage and may be white, pink or red, depending on the species.

Repot in spring, when the tuberous roots have filled the pot. This is a good time to divide the plant.

Shamrock plant may go dormant if the soil is allowed to dry out or if it's exposed to hot, direct sun. If this happens, don't worry. Reduce watering, stop fertilizing, and keep the plant cool. When the leaves die back, cut them off. When it starts growing again, resume normal care and you'll have a mound of new, green foliage in just a few weeks.

Origin: Mexico

Height: 6-12 in (15-30 cm)

Light: Bright light with some direct sun

Water: Allow surface of soil to dry between waterings. This plant won't tolerate soggy soil.

Humidity: Average indoor humidity

Temperature: Cool to average 55-65°F, 13-18°C at night/not warmer than 75°F, 24°C during the day.

Soil: Any good potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Divide the plant by gently pulling apart its small, tuberous roots into smaller clumps and potting them in separate containers. Sow shamrock seeds in spring.