Jatropha podagrica

The Jatropha podagrica is a tropical plant native to South America. This plant has a stem that is broad to start off with and then tapers off like a jar or a bottle. The leaves grow from the top of the stem and are light-green and large. When the plant is in flower, it develops beautiful orange flowers. In Holland this plant is also called ‘ bottle plant ‘, because the stem looks like a bottle. The leaves and flowers appear to have been put into a bottle. Taking care of this indoor plant is really simple. Moreover the Jatropha podagrica is an excellent eye-catcher for any plant lover in search of something special.

The exotic plant, Jatropha podagrica prefers a light spot or one in half shadow. Direct sunlight can harm the plant. In summer the Jatropha podagrica needs quite a lot of water, the soil should always be slightly moist. On the other hand in winter when there is no growth the soil should be allowed to dry out. The temperature must remain above freezing point, but other than that the Jatropha podagrica does not require any special temperature. The soil of a ‘bottle-plant’ should be permeable and can for example consist of a mix of sand and potting soil. Araflora sells beautiful containers, which show this special plant to full advantage.