Intro
The Jatropha Podagrica is a very special and decorative plant. Coarse-leaved with a beautiful orange flower.
Location
The Jatropha likes as much light as possible, as long as there is no direct sun on the plant. The plant can therefore easily stand in front of the window but keeps a few meters distance in front of a window on the east, west, and a bit further in front of a window on the south. In winter the plant can be placed in front of a south-facing window. You can choose to put the Jatropha outside during the summer. Do bring it inside again in the winter.
Water the Jatropha regularly. Especially when the plant gets a lot of sunlight it needs a lot of water. A Jatropha is a tropical plant and therefore also likes moisture. The drought really can’t have it, but wet feet don’t like the plant either. Give water about 3 times a week, the amount of water depends on the size of the pot, but make sure the potting soil remains moist. Just watering on top of the potting soil is fine, but putting the pot in a layer of water for a few minutes is also a good way to water it. You can choose to occasionally give some extra nutrition in the summer. Never give extra food in the winter, this is unnecessary and can even be bad for the roots.
Origin
The Jatropha originates from the tropical parts of Asia and Africa and belongs to the Euphorbiaccae (Wolf Milkiformes).
The species Jatropha Podagrica (or Buddha belly plant) has a swollen stem that lives up to the name “Buddha Belly”. The large leaves are dark green at the top and greyish at the bottom. The plant has coral-red flowers.
Diseases
If the Jatropha suffers from vermin, it is recommended to control it as soon as possible with a biological or if desired a chemical pesticide.