Scientific name: oxalis spiralis vulcanicola (bitter, coiling volcano-dweller) 'plum crazy'. Common name: oxalis 'plum crazy', variegated volcanic sorrel origin: native to central and south america, this species ranges from el salvador through costa rica into panama. This variegated variety of oxalis earns its name from the deep shade of purple, mixing with bright pink, on its leaves- and their wacky, splotchy appearance! The oxalis plant's delicate, clover-shaped leaves close overnight and open back up again during the day, and as it grows this plant will form a carpet of foliage as far as you let it, or trail a little over a the edge of a shelf or ledge. It is a semi-succulent which will appreciate a brighter spot, and will not thank you for giving it too much water! In bright, warm spots in spring and summer oxalis do flower, and this variety produces bright yellow blooms which contrast with the pink and deep purple of its leaves. Choose the plum crazy for wacky colours and truly standout foliage. Light: a spot with bright, indirect light is good for the oxalis, but it will love you even more if it gets a few hours of morning or evening sun. Water: keep the soil relatively moist in the growing season, watering when only the top layer has dried out; soil: choose a well-draining but moisture retentive soil; a mix with added bark or coir will help prevent root rot. Repot every three years as the plant grows. Food: feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature: should ideally be between 18-24°c. Sprouts top tips: the oxalis grows from tubers in its root system; you can separate these tubers to split the plant into a few different pots and share or spread your plant around. This is best done when the plant is dormant in winter, but can be done at any time as long as you're gentle with its roots.