Shamrock Plant, Shamrock plant care and history
Posted by Denise in indoor plants, tags: indoor plants, plant care, shamrock plantThe Shamrock plant (Oxalis sp.) is very easy to grow. They like cool air, moist soil, and bright light or indirect sun. What makes this plant a little different from other plants is that it grows from a bulb. 
photo credit: audreyjm529
The plant is a tender plant best grown in pots. It has a delicate look with leaves that grow together in groups of three. The plant will produce a very small white flower. Although the Shamrock has a name that is linked to Ireland but it actually has its origin in South America.
Shamrock is derived from the Celtic word for clover, which also has three leaflets. Legend says that St. Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the principle of the trinity to the people he converted
All bulbs that grow from bulbs need a rest period during the year. The Shamrock plant will need a couple rest periods every year to do their best. When the plant starts to look a little thin and tired, stop watering it. The leaves will turn brown and you then pull them off. Set the pot somewhere that is cool and dry for about two or three months. Note: The purple leaf varieties will only need about a month of rest. They are my favorite of the two. And yes, I grow both varieties.
When its time to relive the plants, give them water and a dose of all-purpose house plant food (10-10-10). It won’t be long before you notice new growth. When watering allow the plant to slightly dry out and then re-water. It will benefit from the use of plant food several times during the summer.
The only problem I have noticed with the Shamrock plant is that you need to keep a careful look for spider mites. Keep the soil aerated and the sickly leaves picked off and the plants should do well. At the end of the dormant cycle you might want to remove the bulbs (also called rhizomes) from the pot and replant them.
How to re-pot you Shamrock Plant
- Remove the Shamrock plant from its pot by tapping the outside of the pot. Once its out loosen the root ball of the plant and with both hands begin to massage the root ball. This aerates the roots and helps future growth.
- Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the old pot. Make sure it’s clean and dry. Put a rock or broken pieces of clay pot over the drainage hole and add two to three inches of good potting soil that has a bit of a sand base. (I add a little sand to regular potting soil.) .
- Set the Shamrock root ball onto the soil, and fill in around the plant with more soil. Firm the soil around the base of the plant to hold it up right. Lightly water, and then add a little liquid plant food.
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I have Shamrock plants from Earl Shaffers personal collection.
Can these plants be kept either in the ground or in pots outside in freezing weather?
John Sahffer
Hi John,
Shamrock plants can be delicate and the bulbs can freeze. I would keep them indoors. They do need to die down and have a quiet time but I will store them in a back room for a bit, them bring them back out and they will start to grow again.
How nice to have plants from Earls Shaffers collection. I’m jeleous! Denise
I have a shamrock plant that seems to have died. Is it still active in the dirt in the pot? What do I have to do to get it to grow again? It was from a special lady. Thank you
Shamrocks need a resting period each year. Remove the dead leaves and move to a dry but a darker area of the house for a few months. after a few months give the plant a light misting with water and move to a area with more light. You should see the plant begin the grow again.
I was told that shamrock leaves are good to eat in a salad.
Is this true?
I have never heard that but I will look to see if I can find the answer. Most plants that are considered a true house plants are not usually edible. Denise
What kind of soil does a shamrock like best? I have one that my mom divided in June but it has always looked a bit thin and spindly. At this point it probably needs the dormancy period that you speak of as the leaves are turning brown. I’m wondering if putting it in a better soil would help to perk it up. (I think the soil came from her back garden) If I do this should it be before or after the dormancy period? Any other suggestions?
I have purple and green Shamrock Plants and the purple developed a rust looking condition on it’s leaves and then the green ones have done the same thing. Do you know what it is and what can be done to avoid this?
Thanks,
Neil Thornton
I’m glad I looked this up! I have both a purple and green shamrock that I received for my birthday almost a year ago. It has thinned considerably and I always thought it had been from a month or so of neglect in the summer when I was away! I now know I should let it go dormant, thanks!
Many plants need a break during the year. For some varieties its as little as a week and other need a few months.
The shamrock is a fun plant. One of my favorites, Denise
When planting the bulbs should they be horizontal or vertical in the soil? Thanks
They should be vertical with the small pointy part upward. Denise
Where do you buy shamrock plants? I live in a rural area and do not have a lot of businesses that carry plants.
I have a shamrock plant that’s a few years old. It only ever grew one or two “stems” at a time. (Always healthy) One day my rabbit bit the heads off both of the stems! I thought the plant was done for, (no more leaves) but within days four shoots sprouted up! Was that coincidence, or is pruning the tops off somehow good??
My father left me his garden in 2002, he had Shamrock plants (green & purple) in pots everywhere. After his funeral, my BFF & I planted every pot into a kidney shaped flower bed (he had created). We live in North Texas and the yard is shady, these plants have been a true enjoyment. They grow back every year and flower all the way into late fall. For winter protection we cover them heavily with leaves, by spring the leaves have mulched and the leaves start to appear by late March. Oh, my cats enjoy the leaves too.
I have a screened-in back porch. I’d like to keep my Shamrock out there – lots of indirect light. What temperatures are good for this plant? When it is too cold? Can it be too hot? Thanks
I just bought a small plant from the local market and will re-pot according to your directions. Would this plant do well in a large bathroom (moisture, but not terribly warm?). Thanks!
It all depends on the plant. Check the tag for plant care tips or if you knwo the name look up information for the plant.
What growing zone do you live in and how hot and cold does it get? Shamrocks adjust quite well to be outdoors in most areas. You just have to have fairly warm nights so the leaves and bulbettes don’t suffer and if it really hot the plant might like some shade.
So the answer will depend on your zone. 5 through 7 or 8 will be fine. Other areas you might have to watch at times. And winters the plants need to be indoors.
Sounds wonderful. The plans must be a joy and I can only imagine how pretty they are.