Posted in: Gardening - Oxalis Regnellii
Date: October 13, 2009
Foliage
Oxalis Regnellii has leaves that are mostly green, but some of them have a pink hue on the bottoms/edges. These plants have a triangular shaped leaf - each leaf is made up of two right triangles. This is different from some other Oxalis species that have circular leafs. The point where the three leaves meet has tiny hairs sticking out and a "hinge" where the leaves pivot their movement. The flowers are white.
Bulbs
The bulbs are slightly pink, and grow together almost like a pine cone. The bulbs in my plants grow in a long bulbous line. When it's time to plant, feel free to gently break apart the bulb cone into individual bulbs.
Behavior
Oxalis Regnellii opens its leaves in the day and folds them up at night. This type of behavior is known as nyctinastic movement.
Indoor and Outdoor
In my experience, Oxalis Regnellii is not picky in the way it is planted. I would recommend planting the bulbs one inch deep, and at least one or two inches apart. I've never had any problems with them sprouting. One issue with planting close together is the bulb cones grow outward and get in each other's way. Two or three inches is an ideal distance to space the bulbs, but Regnellii will tolerate whatever you throw at it.
Outdoor Temperatures
Keep in mind that Oxalis Regnellii prefers to grow in zones 9 and above. If you're not sure what zone you live in, you can visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
At the end of the growing season, when your plants go dormant, you can dig up the bulbs and store them in dry sand or soil. Keep them in a cool, dark place until next season. You can also do like me, and simply grow them year round indoors. When you want to replant, simply let the plants go dormant, dig up the bulbs, and replant them in fresh soil.
When you withhold water from the plants, they will go dormant. Let the foliage completely die off, then dig up the bulbs.
Country of Origin
South America
Varieties
In my research I came across other Oxalis Regnellii species such as Oxalis Regnellii 'Atropurpurea' (also known as Purple Shamrock), Oxalis 'Jroxfroja' aka Oxalis Regnellii 'Jade'. A common name used for all types of this plant is “False Shamrock" and "Regnell's Sorrel."
Temperature
Oxalis Regnellii will thrive at 60-65 degrees, but can tolerate higher and lower temperatures.