Buddha Belly Plant
Buddha Belly Plants (Jatropha podagrica) are tropical succulent shrubs that make a stunning ornamental houseplant. These plants can grow 5 to 8 feet tall in their native Mexican and Nicaraguan tropical landscapes, but they typically grow to 2 to 3 feet tall in containers and indoors. They can only be grown outdoors in zones 9 to 11.
Buddha Belly plants from the jatropha species, also known as Bottle Euphorbia or Gout plants, can be identified with their large, round, grey reservoir trunks – the trunk is what inspires the name ‘Buddha Belly’. They also have large, fig-shaped, lobed leaves and small ornamental red flowers. The delicate red flowers attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
Jatropha podagrica bloom in spring and summer, and they will lose their leaves and go dormant during the winter months. You can have these plants as outdoor container plants and then bring them inside before the weather drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer bright direct light and will tolerate partial shade. Buddha Belly plants are drought tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings.
All parts of Buddha Belly plants are toxic. The sap causes dermatitis, or sometimes more severe skin irritation, and their fruit will cause nausea or other extreme reactions if ingested. Keep your Jatropha plants away from children and pets.
Propagation of Buddha Belly plants is easiest via seeds, but they can be propagated with cuttings as well. To collect the seeds safely, tie a small cloth bag around the flowers when they produce their green fruit capsules – when they burst and drop their seeds the bag will safely catch the seeds for you.
Buddha Belly plants will grow slowly, but they thrive with new soil every year. It is recommended to repot your Jatropha plant each year with a pot no more than 1 to 2 inches wider than the last pot (unless it is not ready to go a size up). These make a stunning and unique ornamental addition to your home, and they are easy to take care of as well.
