Purple Clover Growing Kit

Despite its name, purple clover is not actually a true clover (Trifolium) but a wood sorrel (Oxalis) from the Oxalidaceae family. Oxalis triangularis originally comes from Brazil, native to the forests from São Paulo to Rio Grande do Sul.

The most fascinating feature is nyctinasty – the leaves open and close with daylight. In darkness, the triangular leaves fold together like little butterflies closing their wings. In light, they unfurl again. This daily spectacle makes the plant a living piece of art on your windowsill.

1. Soak coconut tablets: Place the 3 tablets in the ceramic pot and add warm water.
2. Plant bulbs: Push the 2 Oxalis bulbs 2–3 cm deep into the loose soil, pointed side up.
3. Keep moist: Keep soil evenly moist, don't flood.
4. Location: Bright but no direct midday sun. 18–22 °C is ideal.
5. Patience: First shoots in just 2–3 days! Full plant in 3–4 weeks.

• Watering: Water moderately, let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
• Light: Partial shade to bright. Too little light makes stems long and thin.
• Fertilising: From spring to autumn, liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks.
• Dormancy: In winter the plant may lose its leaves – this is normal! Water less, the bulbs will sprout again in spring.
• Propagation: The bulbs multiply on their own. After 1–2 years you can divide and gift them.

Is purple clover poisonous?
Oxalis contains oxalic acid and should not be consumed in large quantities. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs – keep out of reach of pets.

Why do the leaves fold up?
That's nyctinasty – a natural response to light changes. The plant "sleeps" in darkness. The leaves also fold when touched or stressed (thigmonasty).

Does it flower?
Yes! Oxalis triangularis produces delicate pink-white flowers that hover above the purple leaves. Main flowering season is spring and summer.

Can it go on the balcony?
In summer yes (from May), but not in full sun. Bring indoors before the first frost – the plant is not frost-hardy.

What's the difference from four-leaf clover?
Completely different plant family! Lucky clover (Trifolium) belongs to the legume family. Oxalis belongs to the wood sorrel family. The triangular, purple leaves of Oxalis are unmistakable.

Features:

• Dimensions: 9 × 10 × 9 cm
• Weight: approx. 350 g
• Contents: 1 ceramic pot (white-violet, hand-painted), 3 coconut soil tablets, 2 Oxalis triangularis bulbs
• First shoots in 2–3 days
• Grows indoors all year round (18–22 °C)
• Made in France (Anjou)