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Care of a Jatropha Plant
Care of a Jatropha Plant. The jatropha, often called spicy jatropha, is an evergreen shrub native to the West Indies. There are many varieties of jatropha with varied appearance and blooms. A hardy, drought-tolerant plant, jatropha grows well in semiarid and arid regions. It does well outdoors in warm weather and can also be used as a houseplant....
The jatropha, often called spicy jatropha, is an evergreen shrub native to the West Indies. There are many varieties of jatropha with varied appearance and blooms. A hardy, drought-tolerant plant, jatropha grows well in semiarid and arid regions. It does well outdoors in warm weather and can also be used as a houseplant. In southern parts of the United States, jatropha has become quite popular for its bright red blooms, and easy care.
Basic Care
Jatropha should be potted with a good general purpose potting soil that retains water yet drains well. It prefers sunlight during the day, and likes to be kept moist. Warm water works best for this. Fertilize your jatropha in the spring.
Since jatropha is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, you will need to prune it from time to time.
All varieties of jatropha can exude a milky sap if cut which may irritate your skin, so wear gloves when handling the plants.
Types of Jatropha
Jatropha varieties typically used as houseplants include the integerrima, which has bright red flowers, and the podagrica or "Buddha belly" plant. (Podagrica has a swollen stem which some people think resembles a round stomach-- thus the nickname.) These varieties grows best in full sun outdoors and need bright light indoors. If you keep it indoors in partial shade, the leaves tend to grow larger and are darker in color.
Water regularly, especially during hot and dry seasons. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as over-watering can lead to avoid root rot. Feed quarterly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Podagrica seeds are toxic and should not be eaten by people or pets.
Oil-Producing Jatropha
The drought-reistant Jatropha curcas can be grown just about anywhere--even in rock crevices. It will thrive even in gravelly, sandy or saline soils. This variety prefers hot climates and sun, but also does well at lower temperatures and can even survive a light frost. During the winter months the leaves shed, forming a protective mulch around the plant base.
Watering requirements for this variety are lower than for other varieties: Jatropha curcas can go for as long as 15 days between waterings.
Jatropha curcas seeds turn from yellow to green when mature, signaling that they are ready to be harvested. Crushing the seeds produces an oil used as fuel for lamps and small stoves, as well as a base for soap making in rural areas of India. The seeds are toxic, so wear gloves when handling.
