Oxalis Triangularis

The purple butterfly.

Oxalis Triangularis stops people in their tracks — and for good reason. Deep, rich purple triangular leaflets fold and unfurl throughout the day in response to light, creating a living, breathing display that's as dynamic as it is beautiful. Delicate lavender flowers appear in clusters above the foliage, making it one of the rare plants that's as stunning in bloom as it is out of it.

Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light; strong light keeps the purple coloration deep and vivid and encourages consistent blooming. Too little light causes the leaves to lose their richness and the plant to go dormant early.

Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly. The bulb-like rhizomes store moisture — overwatering is the most common mistake. Reduce watering significantly if the plant enters dormancy.

Humidity/Temp: Content in standard home humidity; prefers comfortable indoor temperatures between 60–75°F. If it dies back in winter, don't panic — it's simply dormant and will return with a fresh flush of growth in spring.

Pet note: Toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities; keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

Natural variation: Each plant is unique; leaflet size, depth of purple coloration, and bloom frequency will vary naturally.