Spreading Wishes for Good Fortune with a Lucky Plant

Spreading cheer with a pretty plant is always right for the holidays. There is nothing like Amaryllis, ready to burst open and show its large and satiny petals, or fragrant Lemon Cyprus that calls to mind the most perfect tiny Tannenbaum. And then there are other plant options that are a little different, a little unexpected. These make equally lovely gifts. Take, for example, Oxalis.

Oxalis seems like such a lucky genus of plants, with shamrock style. On just about every Oxalis variety, some variation of a heart shape appears in triplicate, with the little hearts linking at their points to form “shamrocks”. Good fortune, good tidings… good gift.

I love the burgundy Oxalis varieties. One puts an angular spin on its heart shapes. Aptly named for its dark and interesting “triangles” of color, Oxalis Triangularis has foliage that opens and folds down at different points in the day. But for December’s holidays, a pop of bright green and gold seems in order. For this, there is Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata.

I admit that I do not always keep plants’ botanical names in my mind. But this plant’s mouthful of a moniker seems to warrant a little research. So, in the order in which the parts of its name are presented, here is a broad translation: oxalis (plant which contains oxalic acid, so do not permit pets to nibble at it), debilis (small, low-growing), aureo (golden), and reticulata (net-like). 

True to its name, Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata is a low-growing plant with golden, net-like patterning to decorate its foliage. It sends up pink flowers on rather tall and thin stems which hover above the plant so that they are visible. (Its arrangement of flowers is reflected in its additional name, Oxalis corymbosa.) And it grows from corms which can multiply and spread, causing Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata to cover a good deal of ground with ease if planted outdoors in the right Hardiness Zones.

Now, it is good to remember that plants which grow from corms (think "swollen underground stems"), rhizomes, or bulbs, need to go through some level of dormancy on a fairly regular basis to generate their best new growth. In the case of Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata, which typically does the bulk of its growing and blooming in cooler temperatures, the dormancy is likely to come when the mercury rises. So when balmy temperatures become the norm, if you see your Oxalis dropping foliage and looking less than spectacular, just hold back on the water and bright light for a time, and don’t give up on the plant by any means. Let it go dormant and then come back. But if indoor growing conditions cause the dormancy period to be barely noticeable, keep doing what you are doing with its care and simply enjoy.

I think that finding Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata at this point in the year means that you are likely to see a thriving green mound, made lacy and attractive with gold veining. Come spring, I predict you will see flowers that are more vibrant in their pink tones and more visible than you would ever expect. In summer, you may lose track of your Oxalis a little, as you gaze upon so much that is green and beautiful. (Summer is the season when Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata may possibly take a little break, so it is okay for you to be preoccupied.) Then in fall and at holiday time next year, you will once again feel extremely lucky to have this plant as part of your collection, or glad that you gifted it to someone else who will have the good fortune of seeing this plant in all its seasons.

I find Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata easy to divide, either when the plant is dormant or when I see little cormlets ready to take off and form their own plants. I think you will find the same. It is absolutely ideal for repotting and sharing. And if it is wishes for good fortune that you are spreading… well, by all means, go for it and divide this lucky plant just about as often as you like. Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata won’t mind a bit. Spread good luck and spread good tidings, for the holidays are here.