Is your purple shamrock getting too leggy? Here’s How to Prune Oxalis triangularis Like a Pro so it gets bushier!
With delightful pink blooms and stunning leaves like butterflies, purple shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) is a perfect houseplant if you can keep it full and bushy! But even this easy plant can get leggy and lackluster. That’s why we show you how to prune it like a pro!
Why Prune Oxalis
Pruning encourages new life in oxalis plants. Removing old or damaged leaves makes room for fresh, healthy growth. It also keeps the plant manageable, tidy, short, and bushy. Dead leaves can also harbor pests and diseases—prune them away to prevent trouble!
When to Prune Oxalis
This South American native can go dormant in the fall or late summer after its flowering phase when it loses all its leaves. You can cut it all the way back to the soil line or at the lip of the pot. This kind of hard pruning is needed only once every few years.
However, if you notice dead leaves or leggy stems during the active growth period, you can prune your oxalis plant following the tips below—like a pro!
How to Prune Oxalis Like a Pro
1. Check Dead or Faded Leaves
Remove yellow or brown leaves, and discard dry or wilted stems. If your plant looks leggy with lanky, unsteady stems, it’s time for a trim to keep it compact.
2. Cut at the Base
For the best results, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut at the base of the plant, as close to the soil as possible. This removes stubs that could rot or attract pests. Always wear gloves while handling the plant as it contains oxalic acid, which may irritate the skin.
Note: Keep kids and pets away from the plant, as it is mildly toxic if ingested.
3. Trim Overgrown Oxalis Stems
If your oxalis is getting too tall or leggy, cut back the longer stems to maintain shape. You can trim up to one-third of the growth at a time without causing stress. Focus on keeping the plant bushy and well-balanced.
4. Remove Flower Stalks
Once the flowers fade and start wilting, it’s a good idea to remove the flower stalks. Snip them off close to the base. This encourages the plant to put energy into new growth rather than maintaining spent flowers.
5. Clean Up After Pruning
After pruning your false shamrock, clean up any leaves or stems that have fallen around the plant. This helps prevent pests and diseases from developing in the soil.
Pruning in Dormancy
As mentioned above, several oxalis species enter dormancy in summer as a reaction to extreme heat. The plant stops growing and goes into rest mode, with no need for regular watering or fertilizers. For that to identify, you need to look for the signs; if your plant is dying back, prune the brown leaves to about an inch above the base of the plant.
Ideally, move the plant to a cool, dark spot and stop watering at regular intervals, water only when the soil seems very dry. If you are unable to move it, trim the leaves to ground level.
Oxalis Pruning Aftercare
After pruning your oxalis plant, water it lightly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, and keep your plant in bright, indirect light to promote new growth. Remember to feed the plant a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer during its growing season in spring and fall.
Tip: Use bloomless, healthy stems to grow new plants. Pick a clipping with a few leaves on top, place it in water, or plant it directly in moist soil. Wait for new roots to form, and you’ll have a brand new oxalis on the way!
Now, your oxalis may also get leggy and long as it stretches out in search of sunlight! Ensure you keep it in a bright spot, maintain an equal length among its branches, and rotate it so all parts receive ample light. Read further to make your oxalis lush and big!
