Would a Shamrock Plant Like a Self-Watering Pot?

Self-Watering Pots

• Several different types of self-watering pots are available. All have a built-in water reservoir so you need to water less often. Some self-watering pots use wicks to draw up the moisture and others use moisture sensors. The classic African violet pot-within-a-pot is a type of self-watering pot; the plant is grown in the unglazed inner pot and water is poured into the waterproof, glazed outer pot. Moisture is absorbed through the walls of the inner pot.

Shamrock Plants

• St. Patrick's original shamrock is thought to be white clover (Trifolium repens), a difficult plant to grow indoors. In its place, flower growers offer oxalis or wood sorrels (Oxalis acetosella and O. deppei), which also have distinctive clover-shaped leaves. The leaves of both oxalis species close up at night. They're easy-to-grow houseplants that last for years if given proper care.

Growing Shamrocks

• Oxalis shamrocks grow best in a sunny south or west exposure in the winter. In summer, they need protection from the hot afternoon sun, so move them to an east- or north-facing window. Pot them in moist, well-drained soil and feed them every two to three weeks with a houseplant fertilizer. When the plant begins to droop and lose leaves, withhold water, allow the soil to dry and move the plant into a cool, dark spot. Resume normal watering when new shoots indicate the plant is emerging from dormancy.

The Bottom Line

• Self-watering containers are useful for growing shamrocks, since they like to be kept moist. Check to see that the soil doesn't become water-logged, however. If so, your self-watering pot is allowing too much moisture. Adjust the moisture sensor, if possible, or remove one or more of the wicks at the bottom. If you can do neither, repot your oxalis into a regular, well-draining pot. With self-watering pots, you must remember to empty the water out of the pot's reservoir when the plants are ready to go dormant.