by Jacki
(Grand Forks, B.C.)
Oxalis palmifrons
What an incredibly cool looking plant this is. Neatly fan shaped leaves spread out from a central point, and they fold up at night, opening during the day.
The leaves are usually green, shading to pink tones then to a darker purple at the edges of the rosette. These are actually a bulb, which goes dormant during the summer, then the new leaves emerge as the weather (in their native Africa) cools off a bit.
Then they flower, which are white, and much larger than seems in scale to the plant.
Oxalis palmifrons makes a great little house plant, growing on a window sill in cold winter areas. Bright filtered light, watering from the bottom of the pot, and slightly sandy soil, rather than compost based suit it best. Split the plant into segments to propagate it.
It also goes by the names of Palm-leaf False Shamrock, False Shamrock and Palm Leaf Oxalis.
Why Shamrock? Well it’s related to the Irish Shamrock, that three leaf clover of lore.
Comments for Oxalis palmifrons
Nov 17, 2020
propagating
by: David
when is the best time to split oxalis palmifrons please
Nov 17, 2020
Rule #1
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist
Dividing the roots of a plant should be done when they’re dormant – right before they start to grow. However, indoor plants are a lot more forgiving. Don’t overwater after you split them, let the roots recover and heal first.
Feb 13, 2021
So where can I purchase this?
by: Jeff Willoughby
I’ve Googled and checked multiple sites. No one seems to actually sell this gorgeous plant. Has anyone actually found one of these for sale? Where?
Feb 13, 2021
Note to Jeff
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist
I looked too, Jeff, but you’re right – it’s hard to find! One of the places I often look is on Daves Garden Website and their Plant Scout search engine. They don’t list it currently, but that could change, so keep an eye on it.
May 13, 2021
Oxalis Palmifrons seeds
by: Christe
I just recently received seeds I had ordered and now not sure how to plant them but I guess I’ll start them like any other succulent. I’ve searched ,& searched and can not find anything about starting from seed. Help!
May 13, 2021
Note to Christe
by: Jacki
I’ve never grown them from seed, so no help there, sorry! I would keep the soil moist, and if you have a heat mat, and a grow light, that might be best. Let me know how it goes!
May 17, 2021
Thanks
by: Christe
Thanks, Jacki. I will start the seeds in my sunroom. Hopefully that will be all they need. I don’t have heat mat but the temps are starting to warm up this week here in Zone 7 NW Ms. It gets 80 degrees when the sun shines in my sunroom so it should be perfect.
May 17, 2021
You’re on the right track
by: Jacki
I’ve done some searching for information on propagating this plant, but you’re right, Christe, there isn’t much out there. One source said to cover the seeds lightly, with about 1/8″ of soil. Then keep moist until they germinate, but no clue as to how long that takes!
May 17, 2021
Oxalis Palmifrons seeds
by: Christe
So from reading about seeds, I’m thinking I need to use soil for cactus/succulent with more sandy texture instead of regular composted type.
May 17, 2021
Yes!
by: Jacki
I normally use a fast draining soil for succulents or any plant with fleshy roots (ie: tubers) so I agree that a cactus soil would be most appropriate. This makes it really difficult to overwater the seeds / seedlings, which is a major cause of death.
Oct 07, 2021
You can buy these on Etsy
by: Dave Sunshiny
If you want to buy this plant just go to Etsy and search for it. You will find at least one seller with the plants or bulbs. I just ordered one from a seller in San Francisco.
Oct 08, 2021
I have seeds
by: Christe
Dave, I have the seeds so want more info on how to grow.
