Jatropha Podagrica "Buddha Belly"

Introduction

 

Jatropha podagrica leaf

New leaf on Jatropha podagrica

The Jatropha podagrica is an easy plant to grow and people grow it for its swollen caudex and unusual leaves. It flowers all year round - if the temperaure is high enough - and gets more flowers during the hotter season. The plant can be placed in shade but will bloom more if it gets many hours of sun daily. This beautiful succulent originates from Guatemala.
This beautiful plant produces seed pods which explode when ripe, scattering the seeds several feet away from the mother plant.


Caring for your Jatropha Podagrica

The Jatropha podagrica does not require much care apart from an occasional watering and an annual fertilizing (it depends on your soil). Always let the soil dry before watering, else the root may rot.It can also be grown indoors in a pot if adequate lighting is present.

Handling and Propagation

 

Small Jatropha podagrica plant

The plant and its seeds are poisonous if ingested.Propagation is done very easily by seeds.

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