Whazzup! I thought it might be cool to do this thing where I share with you guys my favorite house plants. What da ya think? I know a lot of people feel intimated by plants, but I don’t think a brown thumb should be anything that prevents someone from trying. I’ve killed so many plants in my day, and I’m sure I have more to kill in my future. I always see it as a learning experience; did I give a plant too much water, not enough sun, etc. Then I replace it and move on, taking what I’ve learned and applying it to the next one.
Today I’m sharing the Oxalis plant, it basically looks like a giant purple shamrock, is one of the more forgiving plants I’ve encountered, and you guys, the shape of the leaves are pretty endearing. The plant is not your typical root based house plant, instead it has bulbs. The bulbs are the reason why these things are hard to kill. Forget to water your plant? No biggie, it might shrivel up and wilt, but the bulbs are still alive and will regenerate new leaves as soon as environmental conditions improve. These plants also look great in a window box, and as soon as it warms up, I’ll be moving mine outside for the summer. I would highly recommend this plant to someone who is a bit shy of taking the plunge into plant ownership.
Not fussy, but bright light is best.
Watering:
Water the plant regularly soaking the soil, wait until the top layer of soil dries out before re-watering. This plant isn’t picky though and can survive if a watering is skipped.
So let me know what you think about this mini series? I’ve learned a thing or two about taking care of plants and I’d be happy to answer any questions you guys have.
Planter can be found over here!
Love the series! Will have to track one of these down in Brooklyn. The color is so fun!
Awesome to hear that you think this could be a cool series! I’m excited to share more. I’ll cross my fingers for ya ;)
I love this “Butterfly” plant, grown it for years and gifted the little corms to many people. So easy to grow, pretty pale pink flowers. I throw it outside in summer and it flourishes. It does best in indirect sun. Direct sun burns its leaves pretty quickly and dries it out. If you do “fry” it don’t panic, Let the leaves die away and the corms will regenerate fast. In kinder zones than where I live (3-4) it will winter out.
Good tips, Pam! Thanks for adding!
Great idea! There is a local horticulture professor who says, “You don’t really know a plant until you’ve killed it.”
Thanks, Helen!
Yay! I love this idea. I love houseplants but am not gifted at keeping them alive, so I’ve kinda got stuck on the one or two that I know I can care for successfully. I would be delighted to hear about what you’re growing.
Sweet! I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for something that is easy to take care of. I only water mine once a week, and like I said, they are good at bouncing back.
I’ve never thought about having this one as a house plant. I have some outside that my mom brought from my grandmother’s house many years ago. She planted it at her house and years later I brought some home to mine. I just love it! It reminds me of both of them.
Oh man, I’d bet these would be great as outdoor perennials. I’m not sure they work in my zone (4) but now I’m curious. I’ll have to do some looking around to see if they are.
I’ve got two of these in my kitchen and the are so endearing…you forgot to mention that they*go to sleep at night*, I think this is my favourite thing about them :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcii37jOVW4
I knew I was going to forget to mention cool things about them. Yes they go to sleep at night and it is pretty sweet, also the pink flowers. Might have to update the post ;)
Well let me give you an interesting information about this plant. There are two kind, one what you have projected brownish red in colour, the other one is just green. Both of these plant has the same kind and colour flower in light pink. We in India cook them. It has rich Vitamin C, people cook and pickle it, and when it is cooked with meat it also works as meat tenderizer. As a common name it is known as ‘Sour Green.”
Very cool, Paul. I had no idea that they could be cooked with and pickled. Thanks for letting me know about that!
Since this plant is raised for garden and ornamental purpose in your country, you must make sure there is no any kind of chemical sprayed on it before you eat. Take a leaf, wash it well and just chew it, it will taste just like vitamin C. In most part of our country this can also be considered as weed, but still it is sold in the vegetable market.
Wow! You learn something new every day. I just went outside and tasted mine. It does taste fresh and clean and sort of citrusy. Had no clue it was edible! I’m outside of Dallas – it does really well here.
Well let me surprise you with some more information about this plant. We in India before going to hospital for any treatment, we first go to the Indian herbal medicine. According to the Indian herbal medicine this whole plant of Indian red sorrel is used for urinary tract infections, cuts, scrapes, rashes, skin infections, digestive problems and kidney problems.
Indian red sorrel was used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans, including the Cherokee and Pawnee peoples.
Well let me surprise you with some more information about this plant. We in India before going to hospital for any treatment, we first go to the Indian herbal medicine. According to the Indian herbal medicine this whole plant of Indian red sorrel is used for urinary tract infections, cuts, scrapes, rashes, skin infections, digestive problems and kidney problems.
Indian red sorrel was used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans, including the Cherokee and Pawnee peoples.
Thank you Paul – very interesting!!
I will be paying close attention to this series! One suggestion? Could you add whether or not a plant is toxic to animals? I think lots of pet owners would appreciate knowing that information. I want to fill my house with plants but need to consider carefully as I have a pup and a cat!
Hey Maggie! Thanks for asking, I will remember to mention this in future plant posts. Yes, the plant is toxic to animals. However, it has an extremely bitter taste, so if an animal were to try and eat it, they wouldn’t get very far. I’ve never had trouble with my cat, for what it’s worth.
LOVE this series! Can’t wait to hear more because I have no idea where to start. You’re pretty much making it idiot proof which I really appreciate!
Gretchen, So glad a few folks will find some use out of these posts. I’m excited to share more. This plant is a real easy one, you should try it out :)
Just found you via apartment therapy. your home is killing it!! I love this mini series as I am a “brown thumb” looking to expand the greenery in my home.
Awesome to see you found me, Jane! Thank you for the compliment, and I hope that I can encourage you to try caring for a plant or two.
Just found your website today :-)
I am killing many a house plants as we speak, but I am improving with each failed plant. This series is super helpful. Thank you! I have some dark-ish corners in my house and still trying to figure out which plants can survive with minimal light.
Hey There! I’ll have quite a few more posts coming, but lots of varieties of Ferns can tolerate a minimal amount of light. Also mother in laws tongues are virtually indestructible.
Also found you via AT. My partner and I are moving to S. Mpls. from California and just bought a 110 year old home in Lyndale. I’m devouring your website for ideas on how to make it fresh and modern while allowing its identity and charm to shine through. We both think you’ve nailed it! Loving every post so far. Keep it up!
Congrats on your home! We are in the Kingfield neighborhood which butts right up to Lyndale. You’re going to love it! Thanks so much for your compliments, hope to see you around the blog, and maybe even in the neighborhood in the future!
I love this idea for a series on plants – indoors and out. Thanks!
Yes! This makes me so happy, cause I love plants and sometimes I worry that NO ONE CARES! I’m excited that you guys are on board for more posts!
Nicely written Scoops! It is awfully cute, especially in your pictures. I have never considered it before but I will now.
Thanks, Vanessa! I know, these are super cute and I love that they can handle being outdoors in the summer. I can’t wait for it to be window box season, I think these will look pretty great partnered with some petunias.
I think this mini series idea is great! One question- where are your favorite places to buy plants in the Twin Cities? I want to jump on the fiddle fig wagon and can’t seem to fine one anywhere! I found a shop on Etsy that will ship them anywhere in the US… any thoughts on buying plants online? TY
Great question, Emeila! My number one go-to place is Tonkadale nursery, but it takes a trip to get out there. They have a really nice selection of indoor plants, and a rewards program. You accumulate points over time, I think $200 and you get $20 and then it’s like Christmas. I also think they are far superior for annuals in the spring time as well. However, my neighborhood flower store is Bachman’s and I spend a lot of time there too, although I don’t think the selection or quality is as awesome.
Regarding the fig, both Tonkadale and Bachmans usually stock them, albeit typically they are more expensive. I bought one of my plants at Bachmans when they were having a sale, and the other I got at Ikea for $12.99. Be wary about buying online, I did that once with a fig, and the plant was shipped with no insulation – it immediately died when it was left on my front porch.
Thanks for the tips!
Great idea for a series – I’ll be checking back. My criteria for houseplants is that they thrive on neglect. I have narrowed down to a few “sure things” and will be interested to see if they turn up in your posts as well.