The Purple Butterfly Plant (Oxalis triangularis) is a striking houseplant known for its unique appearance. Also called Purple Shamrock, False Shamrock, or Love Plant, its distinctive deep purple, triangular leaves resemble a cluster of butterflies, adding vibrant color to indoor spaces.
What is the Purple Butterfly Plant?
The Purple Butterfly Plant features deep purple, triangular leaves arranged in groups of three, similar to a shamrock. These leaves exhibit nyctinasty, folding downwards at night or in dim light and opening with bright light, mimicking the movement of butterflies. Small, delicate white or pale pink flowers often emerge on slender stems above the foliage, contrasting with the dramatic leaf color.
This bulbous perennial grows from underground rhizomes or tubers, forming a clumping habit. Native to South America, particularly Brazil, Oxalis triangularis thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It typically reaches 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and can spread 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm), gradually forming larger clumps as its tubers multiply.
Caring for Your Purple Butterfly Plant
Light Needs
The Purple Butterfly Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal, allowing it to receive some gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and pale foliage. The plant’s leaves are highly phototropic, responding to light by opening and closing, which helps maintain their vibrant color and dynamic movement.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This typically means watering once every one to two weeks, though frequency varies based on environmental factors. Allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging and root rot. During its dormant period, usually in winter, reduce watering significantly to keep the soil almost dry.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix is essential. A good blend includes equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand or grit. This combination ensures proper drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water pooling and root rot. If using a decorative pot without drainage, placing the plant in a nursery pot inside it can provide the necessary drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
The Purple Butterfly Plant prefers moderate room temperatures, ideally 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). While it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, sudden or extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided, as these can stress the plant and cause leaves to drop. It thrives in moderate humidity, typically 40% to 60%. In drier indoor environments, increase humidity through misting, using a humidifier, or placing a pebble tray with water nearby.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Purple Butterfly Plant benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, monthly. Some growers fertilize with every watering using a highly diluted solution. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when the plant enters its dormant phase.
Propagation and Troubleshooting
Propagation
The Purple Butterfly Plant can be propagated through the division of its rhizomes or bulbs. The optimal time is when the plant is dormant or just emerging from dormancy, often in late winter or early spring. To propagate, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate rhizome clumps, ensuring each section has at least one growth point or bud. Plant these separated sections just below the soil surface in new pots with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Troubleshooting
Wilting or yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or underwatering. Browning leaf tips may signal prolonged underwatering. Lack of vigor or fading leaf color can result from insufficient light. Spider mites are a common pest, causing yellowing leaves and fine webbing; increasing humidity and using insecticidal soap can help manage them. Overwatering can also contribute to fungal problems like powdery mildew.