Bellyache bush
Jatropha gossypiifolia · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around bellyache bush and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive plant, tropical to subtropical climate
- Origin
- Tropical America
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
Care
Light exposure
Place your Jatropha in full sun for optimal flowering. It tolerates light partial shade, but will flower less abundantly. Bright exposure also promotes foliage color and plant robustness.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Significantly reduce watering in winter or dry periods. Once established, the plant tolerates moderate drought periods.
Soil
Use well-draining potting soil rich in organic matter. A mix of tropical plant potting soil with added sand or perlite is ideal. Ensure the pot or garden soil does not retain stagnant moisture.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce applications in autumn and winter. A fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus will promote flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or damaged branches. Moderate pruning promotes new flowering and better density.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, particularly in dry or indoor environments. Ensure good air circulation around the plant. Excess moisture favors fungal diseases: maintain impeccable drainage.
Did you know?
Jatropha gossypiifolia, also known as devil's plant, takes its name from its spectacular scarlet flowers that resemble velvet clusters. This tropical shrub is traditionally used in folk medicine in the Caribbean and South America, though some parts of the plant contain toxic compounds: handle with caution and keep away from children and pets.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.