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The funny little jatropha podagrica [ JAT - roh - fuh pod - AG - ree - kuh ] is a keen conversation starter and addition to any plantation owner .
It ’s native to the tropic Americas , including Mexico to Nicaragua , and is commonly cultivated as an decorative plant .
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Podagrica means “ swollen foot , ” go for this egotistic succulent - looking industrial plant .
It sport a swollen “ torso ” that is top out with several big fig - form leaves . Besides the self-conceited root , it acquire bright red flowers throughout the year .
The jatropha podagrica is incredibly toxic , so special forethought is needed when dealing with this plant .
Photo Credit: Instagram @floralparadise30
It also has quite a few different common public figure :
Despite its toxic nature , theJatropha podagricafrom the family Euphorbiaceae is known toattract butterfly in any regionwhere it grows .
Jatropha Podagrica Quick Care Tips
Jatropha Podagrica Care
Size and Growth Rate
Buddha plants can reach several foot tall . When it reaches full height , the vain stem resembles a trunk , have the plant look more like a little tree with a thin crown hold a few big lobate leaves .
The gout plant is a slow - rise works . The bow grow from the ground often has several smaller stems sprouting from the top that produce bunch of flowers .
As the plant develop , the exterior portions of the stem intumesce up and inspissate . The egotistic alkali is where the plant lay in its water reservoir .
Flowering and Fragrance
The works Jatropha podagrica does n’t always bloom , particularly when maturate indoors .
It want optimum condition to boost the blossom to bloom , which come out in bunch from foresightful stem .
The flowers are brilliant coral red ink with papery streak on the petals . The bloom also do n’t have a odour .
In gain , both manlike and female flowers will blossom even into winter after the enceinte leave have dropped .
Light and Temperature
The Jatropha podagrica is recommended for USDA hardiness geographical zone 8 to 9 . Central Florida is an splendid case of desirable conditions for outdoor growth in the United States .
The plant necessitate sunlight and humidity . Outside of hardiness zones 8 to 9 , grow the gout plant indoors .
turn in large Buddha flora pots and dislodge them throughout the year . The plant should get muckle of sunlight in the early spring but no direct sunlight .
The bright sunlight can scorch the new leaves that are starting to grow .
In the middle of natural spring and through the fall , the budda venter flora should get more sunlight with at least a few hours of sun .
If possible , place it in a south - face up window , where it may get some direct sun .
Gout joystick can survive at average room temperature but favour an ideal temperature a slight colder during the winter .
Lower the thermostat to the mid-60s when the leaves start to shine off again .
greenback : If the gout plant get too cold , it typically sheds its leave . This does n’t mean that it ’s dying . It goes dormant and wait for warmer conditions while relying on its water reservoir .
Watering and Feeding
The Budda paunch plant will produce with petty water during the spring and summer .
hold off until the soil is dry to the touch before lacrimation . think back that too much water will result in pale unripe or yellow leave .
In the winter , it may only need water once per month .
Moreover , see to it there are drainage cakehole to allow the extra piddle to drain and prevent root rot .
To encourage increase , apply plant food meagrely during the alive growing seasons of the outflow and summer .
Soil and Transplanting
The jatropha grows best in well - debilitate soil but may also thrive in cactus soil with fantabulous drainage .
If no cactus soil is available , use a combining of steady potting soil with 25 % pumice stone .
When untested , get the industrial plant in a small dope and repot each twelvemonth in the spring . As the flora gets taller , it needs transplanting to freshen the grease or when it outgrows its current pot .
Maintenance & Grooming
No grooming is required to care for the jatropha podagrica . absent dead leaves as necessitate to make way for unexampled development .
How to Propagate Jatropha Podagrica
Propagate the Bottle plant from seed or stem cuttings .
When spread from seed , the plant needs to be pollinate by bridge player :
Repot the flora every yr into a bombastic skunk . This slowly increases the sizing light bulb .
When doing the stem cut multiplication , allow the cuttings to dry for a few days . industrial plant in moist soil and allow to take root before placing in a windowpane with full sun .
Jatropha Gout Plant Pests or Diseases
In warm outside conditions , the Buddha paunch flora may experience attacks from mite .
Use miticide at the fBuddhaign of an infestation .
Whiteflies may attempt to hide under the leaves . apply a diluted insecticide to treat the job . A full - strength pesticide may harm the leaves of the plant .
Uses For Buddha Belly Plant
In ardent , humid climate , the Bottle industrial plant makes an interesting addition to the garden .
Due to the alien appearance of the plant , it also look great on a patio , Dominicus porch , or living way .
However , remember that this plant ’s clean milky sap called latex is toxic and may do skin irritation . It is also harmful to the eyes , lip , and mucose membranes .
If consumed , symptoms admit diarrhea , grave nausea , regurgitation , and even blindness . So be careful when handling this plant , and keep it away from pets and nestling .
