Oxalis purple foliage pink flowers
Pale pink flowers Oxalis triangularis
New growth of Oxalis triangularis artopurpurea
Purple variegated foliage of Oxalis triangularis atropurpurea
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Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea', the purple-leaved false clover
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. But you're not likely to find it in the marshes of Argentina or along the Amazon. False crimson clover is a hybrid variety cultivated for its crimson foliage.
How to recognize Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea'?
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' is a rhizomatous plant with a spreading habit. It grows to a maximum height of 30 cm and a width of 50 cm. Its tubers are entirely covered with scales.
Oxalis triangularis is aculeate. Its leaves grow in a rosette on a soft, hairless 20-centimeter petiole. Their three triangular, perfectly symmetrical leaflets resemble hearts or butterflies. While the leaf blades of oxalis triangularis and oxalis tetraphylla are green, those of Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' are mauve or purple mottled with light pink. At night, they fold along the petiole, as if to protect themselves from the dark. When daylight returns, they return to their original shape.
From April to October, the beauty of the foliage is enhanced by flowering. Umbels of starry, pinkish-white or lilac flowers bloom.
Oxalis is toxic to animals. The plant contains oxalic acid, a substance that causes calcium deficiency. Small quantities can be consumed by humans. False clover can be used as a condiment. Its lemon-flavored leaves spice up salads and its petals decorate plates.
Our maintenance tips
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' are easy-going plants. They only need regular watering, except during the wintering period.
Watering
Water your Purple triangular oxalis when the soil is dry on the surface, using non-calcareous water. The soil should remain slightly moist and fresh, especially in summer. But it must not be waterlogged, otherwise the roots may rot.
Spray
Mist foliage to increase humidity and repel pests. Always spray with rainwater. Tap water is too hard and leaves white marks on the leaves.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' are fast-growing plants. They need to be repotted every year.
Choose a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.
Then pour in potting soil for green plants. To make it lighter, you can mix it with sand or perlite.
Plant your Purple triangular oxalis. Fill with substrate and tamp to remove air bubbles. Water for the first time straight away.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Supplement watering with a houseplant fertilizer to promote the development of your Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea'.
If you have just repotted, wait six to eight weeks before starting to fertilize.
Prune
Cut dead leaves with a sharp, clean tool.
Pruning before wintering helps the plant regenerate.
Cut stems flush with the ground using pruning shears or scissors. Remember to clean your tools before use to prevent the spread of disease.
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Work the soil with a spade to a depth of about fifteen centimetres. You can enrich the soil with compost to encourage growth.
Plant the pseudobulbs five to eight centimetres underground. If you're planting several plants, space them ten centimetres apart.
Tamp to eliminate air bubbles and water for the first time to help the plants take root.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully dig up your Purple triangular oxalis. Locate a rhizome with at least two or three shoots. Separate it from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove leaves, rhizome and roots.
You can multiply your Purple triangular oxalis by taking stem cuttings. Place your stem in a glass of water at room temperature. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.
Whena bulb and roots appear on the immersed end, repot your graft.
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully dig up your Purple triangular oxalis. Locate a rhizome with at least two or three shoots. Separate it from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove leaves, rhizome and roots.
Prepare a perforated pot lined with a drainage layer, such as gravel or clay balls. Then fill it with potting soil for green plants.
Plant your bulb in the center. Bury it at a depth of twice its size. Pay attention to the direction! The tip should face upwards and the rhizomes downwards.
Wintering
Oxalis triangularis 'Atropurpurea' are naturally at rest. When you notice that your plant is wilting and no longer producing new leaves, you can help it to go into dormancy.
Install your Purple triangular oxalis in a dark room with a temperature between 5 and 12 degrees. A cellar or garage is ideal. Stop watering and fertilizing until the end of the wintering period.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Oxalidaceae - Oxalidaceae |
| Type | Oxalis - Oxalis |
| Species | Triangular Oxalis - Oxalis triangularis |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Exposures | |
| Substrats | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs Planter |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Flowery Toxic Edible flower |
| Origin |
Central America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9a |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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