YOUR LINK TO THE LOCAL EXPERTS
The Saturday Life section connects you to practical know-how from local people who know.
With Saint Patrick’s Day just days away, hopes are high for finding a four-leaf clover. But why search high and low for such a rare, green charm when with a little work and attention to detail, you can have your own supply of clover at your fingertips?
With its easy-to-care-for attitude, shamrocks are more than lucky charms. The plant can be a beautiful addition to your indoor garden all year long.
“Shamrocks that are sold this time of year are from the genus Oxalis. There are over 500 species, many of which can be labeled shamrock. Some are even considered perennials in certain climate zones,” said John Anderson, president of Andy’s Garden in Piqua and Troy. “They make a great houseplant because they are tough and easy to care for.”
Shamrock will thrive with the right amount of light.
“Shamrock like a lot of light, so placing them in a south facing window is usually one of the best spots for them. If that sort of sunlight is not available, you can use fluorescent grow lights for your plant as long as it is under the light for 12 hours each day,” said Patrick Flanagan, Knollwood Landscape Manager & Designer in Beavercreek.
According to Kathy Matousch, manager at Siebenthaler’s in Centerville, shamrocks like bright light, and a little direct sun will not hurt them.
Shamrocks prefer lower temperatures for optimum growing.
“Daytime temperatures in the growing season should not exceed 75 degrees with nighttime temperatures in the 50 to 65 degree range,” said Jeff Dorton, Landscape Designer and Salesman at Berns Garden Center & Landscaping located in Middletown and Beavercreek.
Just enough water will satisfy a shamrock plant.
“Water shamrock sparingly, providing only enough moisture to keep the soil slightly damp. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it become bone dry,” said John Burkhart, owner of Burkharts Nursery & Landscaping in Miamisburg.
Shamrock will appreciate the boost from fertilizer.
“Using a general purpose, typically water-soluble, fertilizer once a month is also recommended when the plant is actively growing,” Flanagan said.
According to Burkhart, mix the water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of one teaspoon to one gallon of water.
“Only fertilize with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the spring growing period and every other month til they go dormant,” Dorton said.
The plant will go into dormancy during the summer for about two to three months, according to Flanagan.
“You will be able to tell when the plant is going into its dormant period when the leaves begin to die back, again, more towards summer. Place the plant in a dark, cool room and stop watering and fertilizing,” Flanagan said. “When the new growth begins to emerge, you can bring the plant back into the light and begin your normal care.”
Shamrock requires minimal primping.
“Cut off stems when they die back and turn brown. Otherwise, shamrocks require no pruning,” Burkhart said.
The two big keys to success for growing shamrocks, according to Dorton, are light and water.
“Most people fail with their shamrocks due to placing them in full sunlight and over-watering,” Dorton said.
For a Saint Patrick’s Day feeling throughout the year, try growing your own luck by incorporating shamrock into your indoor garden. Keep the light bright and the temperatures low, watch the water, and soon you might grow your own four-leaf clover.
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