Image – Wikimedia/David J. Stang
There are some very curious plants, like the Jatropha multifida. East it is a species whose flowers are of a coral red color which attracts a lot of attention. In addition, it has palmate and lobed leaves, a characteristic that makes it very pretty and therefore interesting to include in our collection.
So, if you want to know all the details of this plant, I will tell you in this article where it grows, how long it can grow, and of course, how to take care of Jatropha multifida.
What is its origin and its characteristics?
Image – Wikimedia/Ton Rulkens
Image – Wikimedia/MATHIAS, MH
It is a succulent shrub related to euphorbia native to tropical America, where it is found from southern Mexico to Brazil. It can reach a height of 6 metersand develops a trunk that widens at its base.
The leaves, as we mentioned at the beginning, are webbed, green, and measure about 10 centimeters wide for more or less the same height. In addition, you should know that they are perennialsbut may fall off if exposed to low temperatures.
Its flowers are coral red. and grow from a flower stalk throughout spring and summer. And its fruits are yellowish capsules that contain about three small seeds.
It is important for you to know that it’s toxic, because inside it contains a latex (milky sap) which, if it comes into contact with the skin, causes irritation, itching and redness. It should also not be consumed, as this will cause vomiting and abdominal pain. For this reason, it should be kept away from children, as well as pets.
What is the care of the coral flower?
If you liked what you’ve read so far and have decided to pick up a copy, now is a good time to find out what care you should give it:
Indoor or outdoor?
It depends on the temperatures in winter. The Jatropha multifida it is frost sensitive, so if there are frosts in your area, you will need to bring it in in the fall so that it does not suffer any damage. Now it’s also an option to keep it indoors all year round if you have a room with a lot of light, i.e. a room that gets a lot of sunlight.
But whether you’re going to have it outside all year, or just a few months, you should place it in a sunny place or with some shade.
Pot or soil?
Again, it depends. Can you grow it outdoors all year round? So it can certainly be in the field; but if you have to put it in the house, it is better to have it in a pot. Of course, in any case, it must be planted in light soil, which drains water quickly; otherwise, its roots will drown and the plant will rot.
For it, In a pot, you will put a substrate for cacti and other succulents such as Eastand if the soil in the garden is not suitable, a planting hole of approximately 50 x 50 cm will be made and filled with said substrate.
How often should it be watered?
Since it is much more resistant to drought than to excess water, irrigation will generally be infrequent. You only have to water it when you see the soil completely drythat is to say more or less once a week during the summer, and once every 15 to 20 days the rest of the year.
when watering, you have to moisten the soil, not the plant. Also, if we have it in a pot, it must have holes in its base; and if we put a plate under it, we will have to empty it after watering.
When should it be transplanted? Jatropha multifida?
We advise you to plant it in the ground or in a larger pot. in the middle of spring or even latewhen summer is approaching. The reason is that being a tropical plant, it needs high temperatures to recover as quickly as possible from the transplant.
If it is in a pot, we will put it in a pot about 5-7 centimeters wider and taller than the one you are currently using. But be careful: we will only have to remove it from the container when it has taken root, that is to say when the roots protrude from the holes, i.e. every 3-4 years.
What do I have to pay with?
To make it grow and flourish, it must be paid with a fertilizer, or with a fertilizer suitable for succulents (cacti and succulents) like this here. But yes, the indications that can be read on the container will be followed in order to obtain the best results.
How is it multiplied?
Image – Wikimedia/Atamari
The Jatropha multifida or coral flower propagates by seeds and/or cuttings stem in spring-summer. Seeds and cuttings should be sown/planted (as appropriate) in pots with a specific substrate for cacti and succulents. They will be placed in a sunny location, and the soil will be kept moist but not waterlogged.
What is its resistance to cold?
It is practically non-existent. Withstands cool temperatures, 10-15ºC, even 0 degrees if it is punctual. But it is better to keep them above 15ºC.
The coral flower is a wonderful plant, don’t you think?