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- Oxalis lasiandra (Mexican shamrock)
Oxalis lasiandra (Mexican shamrock)
The plant prefers a sunny location, but it also does well in partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. However, only water during the growing season.
It can tolerate temperatures down to 0 °C for a short period, but the plant is not frost-resistant.
Once the plant has died back into the bulbs in winter, do not water it. Resume watering only when the first new leaves appear in spring.
Oxalis lasiandra is a perennial species of wood sorrel native to the Mexican state of Oaxaca. In the wild, it grows in oak and oak-acacia forests at elevations of approximately 1,700–2,160 meters. The species name lasiandra means “with hairy stamens” and refers to the dense hairs found on the staminal filaments.
The plant grows from a bulb and forms clumps of leaves carried on long petioles. The leaves consist of 7 to 9 leaflets, and the plant can reach a height of up to about 40 cm. The leaflets are covered with fine silvery hairs rather than being completely smooth. Their green surface is often accented by reddish-purple margins and small markings of the same color, giving the foliage a very decorative appearance.
The flowers are borne on long stalks above the foliage. They are pink to deep crimson with a pale yellowish-white center and open in sunny conditions. Their vivid color and abundant display make them one of the most attractive features of this species.
Oxalis lasiandra goes dormant in winter, retreating into its bulbs. During this resting period, it should be kept completely dry. Propagation is easy, as the parent bulb gradually divides and produces new plants. With its unusual foliage, colorful flowers, and easy cultivation, it is an attractive bulb-forming succulent suitable for both beginners and experienced growers.