Lucky Clover
Also known as
Four-leaf Sorrel, Iron Cross Oxalis, Mexican Shamrock, Four-leaf Clover (Oxalis)
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Lucky Clover
Oxalis tetraphylla, commonly called lucky clover or iron-cross oxalis, is a bulbous perennial native to Mexico. It forms tight clumps of palmately compound leaves with four heart-shaped leaflets, each marked by a deep maroon zone that creates the namesake “iron cross.” Plants reach 15–25 cm tall and bloom from late spring through summer with clusters of rosy-pink, funnel-shaped flowers that open in sun and close at night. The foliage also exhibits nyctinasty, folding in darkness or during stress. Grown from scaly bulbs, it multiplies readily, making an easy container or border subject. In cool, short days or intense heat it may enter a brief dormancy; leaves yellow and die back, then resprout when conditions improve. Oxalis tetraphylla prefers bright light, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture, rewarding minimal care with cheerful foliage and extended bloom.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Lucky Clover
Water
Water thoroughly once the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of mix feels dry, letting excess drain completely; never leave the pot standing in water. During peak growth and bloom, expect watering roughly weekly indoors, more often in warm, bright conditions. Reduce water sharply when leaves yellow and die back, keeping the soil barely dry through dormancy. Resume normal watering only after new shoots appear. Use a fast-draining mix and consider bottom-watering to keep moisture off the bulb necks and prevent rot.
Light
Provide bright light: 3–6 hours of morning sun or bright, filtered light all day. Indoors, place near an east or bright south window with light sheers; outdoors, give morning sun and afternoon shade. Insufficient light causes leggy stems and few flowers; intense midday sun, especially through glass, can scorch foliage. Rotate the pot weekly so leaves and flower stalks grow evenly and don’t lean toward the light.
Nutrients
Feed lightly during active growth, beginning when shoots emerge. Apply a balanced, dilute liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 at 1/4–1/2 strength) every 4–6 weeks, or mix a slow-release bulb fertilizer into the topsoil at the start of the season. Avoid high nitrogen formulations that produce lush leaves at the expense of flowers. Flush the pot with clear water every 6–8 weeks to avoid buildup of soluble salts around the bulbs.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are 15–24°C (60–75°F) by day with slightly cooler nights. It is not frost hardy; sustained exposure below 5°C (41°F) can damage bulbs. Heat above 29–32°C (85–90°F) may trigger temporary dormancy. Grow outdoors only in mild, frost-free seasons or climates; otherwise treat as a tender bulb and overwinter dry indoors. Avoid hot, stagnant conditions—provide airflow and shade during heat waves to prolong flowering.
