Jatropha Podagrica

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Jatropha Podagrica Care

Size and Growth

Buddha plants can reach several feet tall. When it reaches full height, the swollen stem resembles a trunk, making the plant look more like a small tree with a sparse crown containing a few large leaves.

The gout plant is a slow growing plant. The stem growing from the ground often has several smaller stems sprouting from the top that produce clusters of flowers.

As the plant grows, the exterior portions of the stem swell up and thicken. The swollen base is where the plant stores its water reservoir.

Flowering and Fragrance

The plant Jatropha podagrica doesn’t always bloom, especially when grown indoors.

It requires optimal conditions to encourage the flowers to bloom, which appear in clusters from long stems. The flowers are bright coral red and don’t have a scent.

Light and Temperature

The Jatropha podagrica is recommended for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 9. In the United States, central Florida is an excellent example of suitable conditions for outdoor growth.

The plant needs sunlight and humidity. Outside of hardiness zones 8 – 9 grown the gout plant indoors.

Grow in large buddha plant pots and reposition it throughout the year. In the early spring, the plant should get plenty of sunlight, but no direct sunlight.

Watering and Feeding

The budda belly plant doesn’t need lots of water during the spring and summer.

Wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering.

In the winter, it may only need water once per month.

To encourage growth apply fertilizer sparingly during the active growing seasons of the spring and summer.

Maintenance & Grooming

No grooming is required to care for the jatropha podagrica. Remove dead leaves as needed.