Buddha belly plant - Jatropha podagrica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Buddha belly plant

Also known as: Buddha belly, Coral plant, Australian bottle plant, Goutystalk nettlespurge, Gout stalk, Bottleplant Shrub

Buddha belly plant (Jatropha podagrica) is a succulent perennial herb native to tropical North and South America. Buddha belly plant is cultivated around the world as an ornamental species due to its unique appearance. This species produces a sticky sap which can be a skin irritant and the plant is toxic if ingested. It is, however, used to make dye, soap, biofuel, and fertilizer.

Scientific classification

Species

Buddha belly plant (Jatropha podagrica)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Type

All year round

Bloom Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

Red, Orange, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Gray, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Buddha belly plant

Distribution of Buddha belly plant

Distribution Map

Buddha belly plant is a native plant in the tropical regions of Central America. Beyond its native range, buddha belly plant has been introduced and cultivated in various parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. This plant thrives in warm climates and has been successfully established in these new regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forested areas, forest edges

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Buddha belly plant is featured as an ornamental plant in sunny, tropical rock gardens. It is also grown as a container plant in courtyard gardens and cooler climates. The succulent’s swollen trunk gives it a unique appearance, and it also produces flowers throughout the year when growing in optimal conditions.

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Toxicity

The fruit and sap from buddha belly plant are highly toxic when ingested, causing severe gastrointestinal issues and can lead to critical systemic failures. Children, cats, and dogs are particularly vulnerable. Contact with the sap causes dermatitis. Swift veterinary care is vital if pets ingest any part of buddha belly plant. Veterinary intervention is critical for affected animals.

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Quickly Identify Buddha belly plant

Distinctive bottle-shaped caudex

Large, round leaves with white veins

Explosive dehiscence of dark brown capsules

Toxic, milky latex in knobby stem

Pinkish-orange to red flowers in flat-topped clusters

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Care Guide for Buddha belly plant

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from tropical regions, buddha belly plant thrives in high humidity with minimal watering, approximately every 2-3 weeks. It prefers well-draining soil, mimicking its native habitat. Adequate care promotes its unique belly-like trunk and lush foliage, making it a popular indoor ornamental plant.

Fertilize: Buddha belly plant thrives with succulent-specific fertilizer, applied bi-monthly in the growing season and quarterly in winter. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn. Water soil before application for better nutrient absorption and introduce new fertilizers gradually to monitor buddha belly plant's response.

Propagation: The most effective propagation method for buddha belly plant is sowing seeds in Spring. It can be moderately challenging to propagate. Success indicators include healthy root development and new leaf growth, requiring well-draining soil and sufficient sunlight for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot buddha belly plant every 2-3 years in spring, ensuring a well-draining pot to support its swollen stem and lush leaves. After repotting, place in bright indirect light and minimize watering to promote recovery. This care routine maintains buddha belly plant's vigor.

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Images of Buddha belly plant

Distribution of Buddha belly plant

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Buddha belly plant

Care Guide for Buddha belly plant

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