Comments on: Fabulous shamrock-like foliage of Oxalis triangularis

By: Melanie

Melanie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:03:58 +0000

Tom – I’m not sure if they are toxic to cats, but my cat ate them and then quickly puked them up, so I think they might be! She’s alright though…

I just looked it up on the ASPCA website and it states that it is toxic to cats, however, it needs to be consumed in large quantities. Here is what it says:

Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Soluble calcium oxylates
Clinical Signs: All parts of the plant have toxic potential, although the possibility of serious effects is usually limited to ingestions of large quantities. Consuming Oxalis species can produce colic in horses, and kidney failure is possible if significant amounts are eaten.

By: Natasha

Natasha — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:09:25 +0000

Hi Christopher – thanks for your comments re: my plants in France – only just looked at the site again nearly a year later – I’ll remember to keep them out of the sun!

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:06:36 +0000

I’ve yet to see the flowers set seeds, Dan! Not sure whether they do, though.

By: dan

dan — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:15:07 +0000

do the flowers seed and if so can the seeds then be planted?

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:45:35 +0000

If you’re referring to the bulbs, yes, you can, Dan!

By: dan

dan — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:56:40 +0000

can you break peices off and grow in seperate pots?

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:32:42 +0000

Thank you, Lauren!
Hope Beverly Collins gets to read your lovely suggestion of getting oxalis bulbs instead and know how easy it is to grow them, a very practical alternative I think if a potted plant is unavailable.

By: Lauren Eileen

Lauren Eileen — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:59:26 +0000

To Jacqueline:

It’s not silly to be attached to a plant! I have several that remind me of my mother, and I would be very sad to see them go.

About buying oxalis, it really is very easy to grow them from the little rhizome bulbs, probably cheaper too. You only have to plant them 1″ deep in quick-draining soil, and water thoroughly once-twice a week depending on how hot it is (whenever the pot feels very light, water it). You can plant them close, too; the pot will fill out faster if you do.

In about 6 weeks the bulbs will sprout and send up very cute little shoots. You will get flowers within six months if there’s plenty of light, or in the next spring.

You could try ordering the bulbs from this Oregon nursery; they seem reasonably priced:

http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=3198

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Mon, 25 May 2009 04:21:24 +0000

Hi Beverly! Sorry to read of your loss. Too bad, I’m unable to help out. Hope someone visiting here will be able to assist you in your search, otherwise I think you will have to google further for answers.

By: Beverly Collins

Beverly Collins — Sun, 24 May 2009 06:36:30 +0000

My heart is sad – I have had a ‘purple Oxalis Triangularis’ since 1994 in a great pot – indoors – it has had rough times, but always came back. But not this time.
I am desperately trying to locate another – one that is already growing in a pot – not bulbs – but having a hard time.

Can you tell me where I could buy one – I live in Portland, OR – but would mail order from anywhere.

My late husband was Irish – and it was ours together – and has been such a great reminder of him….I feel a loss. (probably silly)

Beverly Collins