Grow oxalis as a houseplant
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, look no further than oxalis
Oxalis is a large genus of plants which can be found growing wild around the world. In South America, from Venezuela to Argentina, Oxalis tuberosa is grown for its edible, swollen roots, known as uqa or oca. They’re also grown as a vegetable in New Zealand where they’re called yams.
There are several species which make ideal houseplants in our homes, needing very little maintenance or special growing conditions.
● O. adenophylla (silver shamrock): A compact-growing variety with greyblue foliage and pale pink flowers. A cold-tolerant plant but also suitable for growing indoors in a bright position
● O. triangularis (Brazilian butterfly): Native to Brazil, the two-tone purple leaves grow to about 30cm (12in) in height with contrasting pale pink or white flowers.
● O. tetraphylla (iron cross oxalis): This variety is easily distinguished and often known as iron cross oxalis because of the appearance of the burgundy blotch at the centre of its four leaves. Another common name for this plant is lucky clover, which, like many common names, is misleading as it isn’t related to the clover plant family.
All these grow from bulbs which can be
left dormant in winter and then re-potted in spring. Grow on a sunny windowsill but not with excessive heat, keeping below 25C (77F). Fertilise with a high potash feed during the summer month months. The compost should be kept slightly damp but never heavily wet; plants will recover from a short period of drought. Propagate from offset bulbs in the spring.
The leaves of oxalis open during the daytime and fold down when light levels drop; this is called a photonastic response (a movement in respect of changing light levels).