Caring for the Shamrock Plant
Posted by Denise in indoor plants, tags: indoor plants, plant careThe Shamrock plant has a beautiful look with its delicate leaves, stems and soft flowers. It’s a unique plant as it grows from a bulb and has a long life span. But one thing many people do not realize is as a bulb it has to die down so they think the plant is dying. But what it needs is a resting period. Let the plant rest by cutting back on the amount of water and sitting in a shady place for a few weeks. 
photo credit: audreyjm529
Saint Patrick’s Day is not complete without a Shamrock plant. The plant has a spring feel and signifies good luck. It’s a welcome addition to any home. But after it has flowered it will need a rest. How soon will depend on how hard it was forced to have flowers by Saint Patrick’s Day and on how it was treated before you bought the plant. If it was in poor lighting, cool areas or lacked water it may be stressed and need a break sooner.
The Shamrock plant will need to rest a couple of times during the year. the leaves will yellow and look sad. Just remove the ones that are dying and cut back on water. Soon the plant will look very sad. It’s time to remove the leaves and stems to let the plant rest. I move the plant to a low light area and ignore. When you see signs of new growth on eh bulb bring the plant back into light and water.
In no time at all the plant will spring to life.
Care of the Shamrock Plant
Any plant will need repotted after a bit. It gives the plant new nutrition, fresh soil and a clean or new home depending if you totally repot the plant. I repot my plants once a year. It gives me a chance to check the roots and see if they are healthy or root bound. I also like to give the plant a new pot and a new look.
Repotting the Shamrock Plant
My Shamrock plants are several years old. Each year in late spring I replant them. Plants will let you know if they need replanted but by changing planters each year you know your plant is getting attention and proper care. This year I am changing my four shamrocks into different colored pots and adding a few mini ceramic pottery pieces to the pot for décor.
To repot you plant, tap the sides of the pot to loosen the soil. Hold the plant in place down by the base near the soil and tip on its side. The plant should come out but if it hesitated push you finger into the drainage hole to coax the plant out.
Check the look of the soil once the plant is out. If it has any crusty dirt or whitish spots remove them. Gently loosen the soil so that the plants roots breath better; but take care not to damage any plant roots.
If you are using the same pot make sure you wash it well and let it dry completely. I am using new pots but have washed them and let them dry. I will place broken pieces of clay pot over the drainage hole to hold dirt in but let water drain through. Next put in about 2 two to three inches of rich soil in the pot.
Set the Shamrock root ball onto the dirt, and carefully fill soil around the plant. Pat the soil around the base of the plant to hold it up right. Fill in the pot with more dirt until the pot is about 7/8th full. As a final step I place very small pebbles on the top of the soil. This helps to keep the soil loose so that the water will soak into the plant easier.
I normally water my plants from the bottom of the pot. This stops soil mold from forming and the soil from getting hard. I also find the soil stays in better condition if you water from below. But once in a while I do water from the top. Water you newly potted plant and let the plant relax for a few days
4 leaf clover
As a last step, place your newly potted plant on a tray of pebbles. This creates more humidity around the plant and makes for a better plant environment. If by chance you plant has looked a little stressed or tired I will place a plastic bag tent over the plant to create a greenhouse effect. This perks almost any plant up immediately.
Once my plant has adapted to its new pot I add the ceramic pottery pieces and select its home for the year. My shamrock plants have done very well over the years and have produced more bulbs, which I have potted up and given to friends. Enjoy your Shamrock plant.
Tip: If your soil gets hard on the top of your plants during the year, gently loosen with a fork. Small pebbles should alleviate this problem.
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I have had a shamrock plant for several years. I recently noticed an orange substance on the under side of the leaves and the plant looks bad. Do you know what this orange stuff is and how do I treat my plant before I lose it.
Thanks. Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Make a mixture of 1 cup of room temperature water and a couple squirts of liquid dish soap. Gently spray and wash the plant.
You may also want to make a second mixture with a dash of crushed garlic and let it sit overnight, then use on the plant. This mix you may want to water down so the garlic isn’t too strong.
Remove any bad leaves. Set in a quiet place and you may possibly want to cover with plastic for a few days to create a greenhouse effect.
I would also check the soil and remove the top section (1/4 to 1/2 inch – but don’t disturb the roots) and put on fresh soil.
I often water a plant with a mix of chamomile tea. It kills and soil fungus and disease.
And the problem is you have a insect problem. If you use the spray it will choke out the problem. Check the plant for several weeks to make sure there are no further problems. Good luck! Denise
Hello,
I have a purple shamrock that has a yellowish substance growing on the top portion of the dirt. The plant continues to thrive. Do I need to do anything? Remove the yellowish substance or replant????
Thank you for your time,
Katie
Yes, I would remove the top layer of the soil. It’s old and needs refreshed. At the same time I would remove the plants from its pot and clean the pot.
If the roots look tight or compressed I would repot the plant in a pot 1/4 to 1/2 inch bigger than you have been using.
Do you water the plant from underneath? I do that with most plants. I also use a weak chamomile tea once in a while. The tea acts as an astringent for the soil to kill any disease. And it doesn’t hurt the plant. Denise
[...] more information on this plant check Shamrock Plant Care and The Shamrock [...]
I have an Orchid, Mini Rose, Guzmamia and a Shamrock. I think I need to replant my Shamrock for the pot looks to small and I think it needs more soil; there is a long scallie looking thing that is uncovered. I am guessing it is the bulb, and it is showing. Would it hurt to repot it now and should I cover that scallie looking thing with potting soil? Some of the leaves are turning yellow, also, what should I do?
Can you do this with any plant (see below)?
Make a mixture of 1 cup of room temperature water and a couple squirts of liquid dish soap. Gently spray and wash the plant.
You may also want to make a second mixture with a dash of crushed garlic and let it sit overnight, then use on the plant. This mix you may want to water down so the garlic isn’t too strong. cover with plastic for a few days to create a greenhouse effect. Water from the bottom for all plants?
Thank You
LaNett Kirkland
You should be able to repot the plant now with no problems and yes, cover the long scallie thing. Its part of the root.
The first mix will work well on any plants. Its very mild.
The one with the garlic in I recommend for plants with a bad insect infestation. You may want to test the mix on a delicate leaf by just applying a small amount with a small brush and wait to see if there is a reaction.
The edges of the leaves of my shamrock started turning yellow and curling. Now the tops of the leaves are speckled white, but the plant is still blooming. There is no sign of pests. The plant has not been transplanted for a year. Any ideas as to the cause and treatment? Thank you.
Hi i just received a shamrock plant or at least thats what my mother said it was, but it doesn’t look like the pictures u have on here. I just started to have outside plants and indoor plants which most of them i don’t even know what they are. Of course i googled Shamrock Plant and your website was the first to come up.I was reading the care of the shamrock plant and you were talking about roots, mine doesn’t have roots, its just basically like a stalk. and i just have it in a vase of water because thats how it was when my mom got it from another lady. but it was looking sad so i poured out some of the water and stuck it in a dark place. im young, a new wife, new mom, new home owner. lol so im just learning about plants but i absolutley love em i need alot of help!
Your plant sound like a “lucky bamboo plant” if its a stalk in water. Google lucky bamboo and see what photos you see.
Does anyone have a solution to Nicki’s comment on Oct4, 2009? My shamrock is about 20 years old and occasionally it’s leaves get curly and brown with the plant looking like its dying. When I put it outside in the spring it usually starts thriving but in the winter in my west window it browns. I just put some of Miracle Grows leaf shine on it and it has definitely perked right up but not to total health. I water when soil goes dry and occasionally with fertilizer. Any ideas?
I had to buy seven shamrock plants for the church. Can they be planted outside? Our churches name is St. Patricks. Thanks
Yes they can be outdoors but depending on your weather and climate they usually need to be brought in for the winter, Heavy frost will kill the bulbettes so that they will not come back in the spring.