purple butterfly indoor plant Oxalis Triangularis

purple butterfly indoor plant Oxalis TriangularisOxalis Triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock or False Shamrock, is a beautifully decorative houseplant thats prized for its vivid purple leaves and unusual movement. A native of Brazils tropical forests, this easy care plant brings something a little magical to your indoor space with leaves that open by day and close at night. This compact, rhizomatous perennial features delicate, triangular leaves made up of three heart shaped leaflets.

Oxalis Triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock or False Shamrock, is a beautifully decorative houseplant that’s prized for its vivid purple leaves and unusual movement. A native of Brazil’s tropical forests, this easy-care plant brings something a little magical to your indoor space — with leaves that open by day and close at night.

This compact, rhizomatous perennial features delicate, triangular leaves made up of three heart-shaped leaflets. Each leaf reacts to light, folding up at night and reopening in the morning — a natural behaviour called nyctinasty. It’s a true conversation starter.

Our Oxalis Triangularis comes in a nursery pot sized W11cm x H15cm, making it perfect for shelves, side tables, or grouped displays.

Native habitat and growth patterns
In the wild, Oxalis grows on the forest floor in warm, bright, filtered light. Indoors, it prefers a well-drained soil mix rich in organic matter and does best in bright, indirect light. It may occasionally flower with delicate pale pink or white bell-shaped blooms.

Seasonal dormancy — don’t panic!
Oxalis Triangularis naturally goes dormant, often in late summer or winter. Leaves will die back — but this is part of its life cycle, not a sign of trouble.
Here’s what to do:

• Stop watering and allow the leaves to die back

• Keep the pot in a cool, dry spot

• Wait for signs of new growth, then resume watering and place it in a bright location

Styling ideas

• Display in ceramic or terracotta pots for contrast with the foliage

• Use in trailing shelves or as a centrepiece in a grouping

• Pairs beautifully with other colourful foliage plants like Calatheas or Marantas

Oxalis Triangularis care guide

Light requirements:
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid intense midday sun but don’t keep it in deep shade.

Watering:
Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Use a pot with drainage and a standard premium indoor potting mix. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Feeding:
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a gentle, organic fertiliser. We recommend our Original Vegan Plant Food, made from seaweed and natural extracts — perfect for delicate foliage plants like Oxalis.

Pet safety:
Oxalis can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s best to place it out of reach of curious cats or dogs.

Propagation:
Easy to propagate via rhizome division. Just separate the small bulbs and replant in fresh soil — a great way to multiply your collection.

Why choose this plant?

• Unique movement — leaves close at night!

• Beautiful purple foliage

• Low-maintenance and suitable for beginners

• Naturally compact and perfect for styling

• A brilliant gift or conversation piece

FAQs

Is Oxalis Triangularis easy to care for?
Yes — it’s low-maintenance and suitable for all plant lovers, including beginners.

Why is my Oxalis dying back?
It’s likely going dormant. Reduce watering, let the leaves die back naturally, and wait for fresh growth.

Does it flower?
Yes, it sometimes produces tiny bell-shaped flowers — though it’s mainly grown for the foliage.

Can I keep it in a hanging pot?
Yes, but it’s naturally compact — better suited for tabletop or shelf display.

Explore more
Looking for more colourful or low-maintenance plants? Browse our Easy Care Houseplants or explore our Tropical Indoor Plants. For care tips, dormancy advice and more, check out our indoor plant blog.