Lucky clover (Oxalis tetraphylla)
Care, watering, light and tips for Lucky clover on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Lucky clover
Oxalis tetraphylla, commonly known as "Lucky Clover" or "Four-leaf Sorrel", is a perennial bulbous plant from the Oxalidaceae family, valued for its distinctive four-leaflet compound leaves, often with a dark purple blotch at the center. Its delicate pink or magenta flowers appear in summer, adding a splash of color. It is ideal for pots, garden borders, or as an indoor plant in a bright location.
Native range
Mexico
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Water moderately, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry out between waterings, and reduce watering in winter when it goes dormant. It prefers well-draining, organic-rich soil. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.
How to save a dying Lucky clover
- Warning signs
- Drooping, yellowing, or soft leaves; rotting bulbs.
- First aid
- Remove dead leaves, check bulbs, repot in dry soil if rot.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage; quickly rots the bulbs.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if bulbs aren't entirely rotted. Act quickly.