Contents
Description
Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava, commonly known as Molten Lava Shamrock, is a stunning plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is a perennial plant that originated from the Andes mountains in South America. The plant is known for its beautiful and unique foliage that has a striking dark purple color with a bright green center. The leaves form a clover-like shape with three heart-shaped leaflets. The plant produces small, white, or pink flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Oxalis |
Appearance
The Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant has a unique and stunning appearance. The plant grows up to six inches tall and has a spread of up to ten inches. The leaves are a deep purple color with a bright green center, forming a clover-like shape with three heart-shaped leaflets. The leaves are about one inch long and half an inch wide. The plant produces small, white, or pink flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are about half an inch wide and have five petals.
Care Guide
The Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant is relatively easy to care for as long as you follow some basic guidelines:
- Water: The plant prefers to be kept moist but not overly wet. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to spider mites if the air is too dry. To prevent spider mites, mist the plant regularly and keep the air humid. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so be sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Habitat
The Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant is native to the Andes mountains in South America. The plant grows in high altitude regions with cool temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soil. The plant can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of pets.
Q: Can the Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant be propagated?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated through division or by planting stem cuttings.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant?
A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava plant be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Oxalis Triangularis
- Oxalis Deppei
- Oxalis Regnellii
- Oxalis Versicolor
References
- “Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava.” World of Flowering Plants, 22 Nov. 2019, worldoffloweringplants.com/oxalis-vulcanicola-molten-lava-molten-lava-shamrock/.
- “Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava.” Plant Care Today, 11 July 2021, plantcaretoday.com/oxalis-vulcanicola-molten-lava.html.
- “Oxalis Vulcanicola Molten Lava.” Gardening Know How, 23 June 2021, gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/shamrock-plant/oxalis-vulcanicola-molten-lava.htm.
