The leaves are triangular and typically grow in groups of three and look like fluttering butterflies.
The plant bears tiny flowers that are a white to pale pink or lavender color.
Note that all parts of the purple shamrock are toxic to people and pets.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
For container growth, a general, well-draining potting mix should be fine.
Roots are prone to rotting if the soil retains too much moisture.
Water
During the growing season, water whenever the top inch of soil has dried out.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
A moderate humidity level is ideal for purple shamrock plants.
Indoors, a liquid fertilizer for houseplants is ideal.
Mixing somecompostinto the soil also can help to promote healthy growth.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
double-check it has ample drainage holes.
An unglazed clay container is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Use a quality all-purpose potting mix that drains well.
Plan to repot every two years in just one container size up.
Gently loosen the plant from its old container, and shake off loose soil.
Then, replant it at the same depth in its new container with fresh potting mix.
Finally, water the plant.
Bring them inside well before any frost is in the forecast and while the nights are still above 50F.
Continue to water as you did when the plant was outdoors.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Purple shamrocks are prone to a few common pests and diseases.
Some pests includemealybugs,aphids, andspider mites.
Houseplants are more prone to pest issues, as the wind and rainfall outdoors often knock pests off plants.
Treat infestations with aninsecticidal soap.
A common disease of purple shamrocks ispowdery mildew, a fungal disease that creates white spots on the foliage.
This often is a result of humid conditions and poor airflow.
Avoid overhead watering, and dont crowd your plants.
What Do Purple Shamrock Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Just like the leaves, the sweet-scented blooms close at night and on cloudy days.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Encourage blooms with enough sunlight, moisture, and fertilizer.
Plants that are struggling with deficiencies will likely not bloom profusely or even at all.
But a healthy shamrock grown in the conditions it likes will readily rebloom year after year.
But some common problems arise due to environmental issues.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves are often due to insufficient water or light (or both).
However, this also might be a sign of the plants natural dormancy period if the temperature is rising.
Also, double-check youre not letting the soil dry out.
At that point, trim off any degraded foliage.
It will need shade from harsh afternoon sun both indoors and out.
