False Shamrock
Oxalis triangularis
A bulbous plant with deep purple, triangular three-part leaves that fold up at night like butterfly wings. Easy to grow, it also produces dainty pale pink or white flowers.
- Light
- Bright indirect to some direct light
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
False Shamrock is a bulbous, clump-forming plant grown for its dramatic purple foliage. Each leaf is divided into three triangular leaflets that fold down at night and reopen by day, a movement called nyctinasty.
Native to South America, it grows from small bulbs (often sold as wood-sorrel bulbs) and produces delicate trumpet-shaped flowers in white to soft pink. If it appears to die back, it is usually just entering a natural dormancy and will resprout from its bulbs.
How to identify it
Identify it by clusters of deep purple, triangular three-leaflet leaves on slender stalks.
- Leaves: three triangular (almost butterfly-shaped) leaflets, typically deep purple-burgundy
- Movement: leaflets fold closed at night and open in the day
- Flowers: small, trumpet-shaped, white to pale pink
- Growth: clumping, from underground bulbs/rhizomes
- Size: compact, around 6-12 in tall
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light with some gentle direct sun keeps the purple color rich and the plant compact.
Water: Water when the top inch dries; avoid sogginess to protect the bulbs.
Soil: Well-draining houseplant mix.
Temperature: 60-75F; it appreciates cooler conditions than many tropicals.
Dormancy: If foliage declines, cut it back, reduce watering, and let the bulbs rest a few weeks before resuming.
Feeding: Light feeding during active growth.
Propagation: Easy by dividing the bulbs when repotting.
Habitat & origin
Native to South America, particularly Brazil, where it grows from bulbs in woodland and grassland settings.
It is grown worldwide as both an indoor houseplant and an outdoor ornamental in mild climates, valued for its colorful foliage and easygoing nature.
Frequently asked questions
Is False Shamrock dead when it loses its leaves?
Usually not. It naturally goes dormant. Trim back the spent foliage, ease off watering, and it will resprout from the bulbs in a few weeks.
Why do the leaves close up?
The leaflets fold at night and reopen in daylight in response to light, a normal movement called nyctinasty.
How do I keep the leaves deep purple?
Give it bright light, including some direct sun. Too little light makes the color washed out and the growth leggy.
How big does False Shamrock get?
It stays compact, forming clumps around 6-12 in tall from underground bulbs, topped with purple leaves and small pale flowers.
False Shamrock guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for False Shamrock.
