Oxalis tetraphylla aka Iron Cross Oxalis

Taxonomy

Oxalis tetraphylla, also known as Iron Cross or lucky clover, is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant native to Mexico and Brazil. It has four-split leaves and pretty flowers that make it a distinctive summer blossom on the window sill and a popular ornamental plant. Despite its common name, it is not a true clover but a member of the Oxalidaceae family, related to the common wood-sorrel. In the wild or feral state, it is often called four-leaved wood-sorrel. The plant is also edible, with flowers and leaves having a sharp lemon flavor, but caution should be taken as its oxalic acid content can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients in the body, especially calcium. The Iron Cross cultivar is particularly famous and has loosely resembled the iron cross symbol, but the name has fallen out of favor due to its bad political connotations. Other common names include Four-Leaf Sorrel and Four-Leaf Pink-Sorrel. It is a relatively rare houseplant that needs regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than a foot from a window. The plant has three wild variants, var. tetraphylla (autonym), var. mexicana, and var. guerreroensis, distributed in different regions of Mexico.

Common names

Iron Cross Oxalis, Four Leaved Pink Sorrel, Lucky Clover

How to care for Iron Cross Oxalis

Difficulty

Iron Cross Oxalis presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Iron Cross Oxalis should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Iron Cross Oxalis loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Iron Cross Oxalis thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Lucky Clover.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Iron Cross Oxalis does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Iron Cross Oxalis grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Iron Cross Oxalis’s native range is Worldwide.

More info:
Wikipedia