How to Propagate Lucky Shamrock Plant
The lucky shamrock plant, also known as woodsorrel, is a festive plant with tri-leaved foliage often given to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. From the genus oxalis, the lucky shamrock provides pretty dark green, burgandy or plum-colored foliage with white, red, pink or yellow flowers. Although it can be grown outdoors in warmer weather climates, lucky shamrock is often enjoyed as a house plant. Because it grows from tuberous bulbs, propagation is a fun and rewarding process yielding additional plants for years of enjoyment.
Divide lucky shamrock plants just after dormancy is completed in the early summer. Dormancy occurs when the plant dies back and stops making new leaves and flowers. When this occurs, store the plant where it is dark and cool, ceasing watering and fertilization. The dormancy typically lasts three months, at which time new growth will appear, signaling the start of a growing season.
Gently lift the tuberous bulbs of the lucky shamrock out of the pot, removing soil from the roots and taking care not to disturb the new foliage starts.
Look for the new bulbs growing from the sides of the mother tuber. These can be split off, with roots and new shoots attached to each piece, for propagation.
Provide each new section a pot with a soil-based potting mix. Plant the tuberous bulb just under the surface with roots reaching down and new shoots up.
Water propagated sections thoroughly and resume fertilization on a three-week schedule. Liquid house plant fertilizer is sufficient, but take care not to overfertilize as foliage may turn yellow and die back.
Place the pots in an area that receives ample daily sunshine, avoiding harsh direct sunlight on the leaves.
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Writer Bio
Desirae Roy began writing in 2009. After earning certification as an interpreter for the deaf, Roy earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Eastern Washington University. Part of her general studies included a botany course leading to a passion for the natural world.
