Families Euphorbiaceae. Consists of approximately 190 species of succulents, shrubs and trees. The natural habitat of the jatropha is Central America.
Jatropha - original perennial, deciduous ornamental, belonging to the Molochaev family. It is widespread in tropical America, Africa, in deserts and rocky places. Since precipitation rarely falls there, plants come in a variety of bizarre configurations and forms. The jatropha plant is a small succulent tree or shrub that contains milky sap. Beautifully flowering Jatropha, thanks to its unique outward appearance, is able to decorate the interior of any room.
Plant features
The jatropha flower has unusual view, due to the specific shape of the barrel, which resembles a pot-bellied bottle. It is this trunk that is the source of water accumulation. The stem, shedding its leaves for the winter, remains completely naked. In early spring flower stalks appear in the form of umbrellas with red small flowers on long legs. Later appear large leaves, the petioles of which can reach a length of 20 cm.
Plant species
The dissected jatropha is a small bush that can reach a height of up to 3m. In appearance, young plants are similar to decorative palm trees... Beautiful dark green leaves, up to 30 cm in diameter, fall off over time. The lower part of the trunk of the undersized bush is exposed. In natural conditions, it blooms almost all year round. Coral red bright flowers, collected in inflorescences in the form of an umbrella, are located above the leaves on high pedicels.
Jatropha gouty is an exotic shrub with a thickened trunk, which is thick at the base, and gradually tapers upwards. Reaches a height of 60-70 cm. Lobed dark green leaves are round, glossy, up to 20 cm in diameter. Over time, they gradually lighten. The lower part of the leaf is covered with a bluish bloom. The petioles are firmly attached to the middle of the leaf blade. Every spring, the plant blooms with red flowers that do not smell. The gouty jatropha is original: the photo gives a complete picture of this exotic flower.
Yatrofakurkas is a shrub that reaches a height of 6 m.Very poisonous plant which grows in Mexico, South Florida, Asia, America, Hawaii. Pointed shiny oval-shaped leaves are arranged alternately. They reach a length of 40 cm. Flowers, collected in inflorescences, gently yellow color... From the fruits of this shrub, oil is obtained, which, after processing, is used as biofuel.
Jatropha: home care
Lighting... Since the plant prefers bright places, it is better to grow it on the eastern, western windowsills. Shade out of direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
Humidity... Does not need to be sprayed, it perfectly tolerates dry air. Big leaves periodically it is necessary to wipe with a damp cloth, removing the accumulation of dust.
Temperature ... Feels great in summer at temperatures up to 22 ° C, and in winter - at least 17 ° C.
Watering. Jatropha is watered with settled water as soon as upper layer the earth has dried up. Watering should be done carefully, the plant should not be poured, otherwise it may rot. Reduce watering in winter. You can put a damp cloth in the pot and moisten it with water from time to time.
Top dressing... The plant is fed with fertilizers for cacti during the flowering period in spring and summer - once a month.
Reproduction ... The flower is propagated by seeds, but more often by cuttings. After drying and treatment with a growth stimulant, cut cuttings are planted in the ground. They will take root within a month.
Where to buy a jatropha flower?
If you are going to buy jatropha, then it is better to purchase it in a specialized online store. In assortment big choice a wide variety of plants. Experts will give detailed advice on growing jatropha, give advice on caring for a stylish tree. We will deliver the order on the day of the application, if you make it before 4 p.m. Jatropha grows well at home, if you provide it with proper care.
Jatropha is a perennial plant. Belongs to the Euphorbia family. The genus Jatropha includes more than 150 species, which are represented by grasses, shrubs, small trees. They can be evergreen and deciduous, small and taller, different in leaf shape and corolla color. But, like other representatives of Euphorbia, they contain a milky liquid in the tissues, which is toxic in its chemical composition.
In nature, Jatropha grows mainly in Central America. But some of its types are found in North America, Africa, India. In our country, her can be found in greenhouses, botanical gardens or in florists' apartments.
Jatropha is mainly original in the shape of its trunk. From the root, at the base, it is wide, and upward - tapering. In this way, it resembles the shape of a bottle. In the thickened part, the plant, habitual in its natural environment to the conditions of stony deserts, accumulates a supply of water. This is similar to succulents.
Leaves at different types Jatropha different in shape, color and appearance. They are quite large, their long petioles end in the center of the leaf. With the arrival of the cold season and the beginning of the dormant period at home, the leaves fall off. With the onset of warmth, they grow again.
Jatropha blooms from early spring. Small flowers, different shapes collected in umbellate inflorescences or grow singly. Peduncles appear earlier than leaves begin to grow after winter abscission. But with favorable conditions shrubs can bloom all year round.
Jatropho species
Jatropha Gouty (PODAGRICA)
Jatropha Gout - shrub tall about 50 cm... It is most commonly grown in indoor conditions view of Jatropha. The bottle-shaped trunk is covered with growths.
The leaves of the plant are shaped like maple, dark green in color at a young age. Over time, their lower surface brightens and is slightly covered with plaque.
In autumn, leaves fly around from Jatropha gouty. The trunk remains bare throughout the winter. In March, first, long flower stalks with buds grow on its top, and then bright red flowers. Then the leaves begin to peck.
The plant is poisonous.
Jatropha is popularly called the "belly of a Buddha."
Jatropha Kurkas (CURCAS)
Perennial shrub, growing up to 5 m... Kurkas Leaves oval with a pointed end. The largest can be small - 6 cm - and large - up to 40 cm. Color - light green.
The flowers of the plant are yellow... Females are collected in inflorescences, and males are single. After flowering, fruits are formed in the form of a triangular nut with seeds inside.
All parts of the shrub are poisonous, the most toxic are the seeds. They contain the component curcin, which is a potent poison. As a result of poisoning, dehydration of the body begins, death occurs due to heart failure.
The second name of Jatropha Kurkas is "Barbados nut".
Jatropha Integral (INTEGERRIMA)
Jatropha All-Edge is an evergreen low tree up to 4 meters high. Leaves are oval, variable. The flowers are small, with five petals, gathered in tassels.
V winter period when the temperature drops, the leaves may fall off. At good care and in favorable environment possible year-round flowering.
The plant is poisonous.
Jatropha Dissected Multifida (branched) (MULTIFIDA)
Shrub up to 2 meters high. The leaves are large, cut into 8-10 parts. There are leaves with 12 parts.
The color is dark green with a silvery tint.
The flowers are red, forming complex umbellate inflorescences.
The plant is poisonous.
Jatropha home care
Jatropha is considered a plant very easy to clean.
It is drought tolerant, rarely exposed to various diseases and pest attacks.
The place where Jatropha will grow should be well lit and warm.
The soil for planting the plant should be loose, with the possibility of good air circulation. It is necessary to mix in equal amounts leaf and sod soil, peat and coarse sand. Add small stones, small gravel or crushed bricks. The pot must have good drainage.
Jatropha transplant is carried out every 1-2 years in a larger pot. This is best done in spring or summer. In the cold season, the plant will not tolerate this procedure well. Before planting or transplanting a shrub, you need to prepare a pot of a suitable size, on the bottom of which you need to pour good drainage. Then cross the plant with a lump of earth and add the prepared soil. Tighten slightly at the top. The soil in the pot can be watered or sprayed a little. Do not forget that Jatropha is poisonous, so all work with it must be carried out with gloves.
Lighting for Jatropha should be bright. Its deficiency can affect its decorative effect: leaves and flower petals can fade and lose their appearance.
It is better to protect the plant from direct sunlight in order to avoid thermal burns of the surface parts.
The temperature in the room with Jatropha must be kept high enough - 20-25 degrees... During the dormant period, from October to March, it can be slightly cooler - 10-15 degrees. Lower temperatures can kill plants.
Air humidity for Jatropha should be average. In warm weather, you can spray the leaves of the shrubs every three weeks or wipe them with a damp cloth. 
During the growing season, from March to September, the plant needs fertilizing in the form of fertilizers containing magnesium, calcium and sulfur. This will help the Jatropha with the growth of leaves and during the formation of flowers and flowering.
Watering Jatropha should be moderate. She does not tolerate both excess and lack of moisture.
In summer, during flowering, you can water every week, in autumn period- enough once a month, and in winter, after the leaves have fallen, watering can be stopped before the beginning of the growing season of the plant.
Jatropha propagated by seeds or cuttings
The seeds are formed in the fruit after the flowering shrub. They need to be planted about 5 cm deep in soil consisting of turf, leafy soil and peat, or use a ready-made potting soil mixture. When sprinkling seeds when planting, compact the soil only slightly. Jatropha seeds have a very dense shell, so they must be soaked before planting. The container with the planted seeds must be closed with glass or plastic to create required temperature, about 25 degrees. You can plant jatropha seeds directly in pots.
When propagating by cuttings, they must be cut off from the stem with a sharp tool, dried for several days the cut site and placed in water or moist soil. Within a month, the cutting should take root. Plant the rooted plant in a pot.
Jatropha is a poisonous plant
All types of Jatropha are a plant with very poisonous parts. Its seeds are especially poisonous. When working with shrubs, you must use rubber gloves, observe all precautions during planting, transplanting, grafting, pruning.
In a room where children and animals are, the plant should be excluded.
Diseases and pests
Jatropha is quite resistant to various fungal diseases. It can be damaged by spider mites or thrips.
Thrips- small insects that suck out the juices of the leaves. Most often appear at very low humidity. If pests are found, it is necessary to wash the leaves with soapy water or increase the humidity on the shrub. In case of severe infection, it is necessary to use insecticides, for example. Fitoverm.
Spider mite- a pest that also sucks sap from the plant. On the leaves appear yellow spots... It is necessary to fight with it, like with other insects, wiping the leaves with water or with the help of chemicals.
Jatropha- a very original shrub. It is unusual in its appearance and is completely unpretentious to care. Having planted such a plant in his apartment, the florist will admire its not very lush, but rather long flowering.
The content of the article:
Jatropha (Jatropha) is a plant belonging to the variety of Lesser (Latin Euphorbiaceae). In nature, it is represented in the form of trees, shrubs or herbaceous plants. The main habitat is humid and semi-humid warm forests of American and African territories. The name was created using the words Greek origin doctor (Jatrys) and food (tropha) and if exactly, then this indicates medicinal properties some of the plants of this species. The family, which includes the jatropha, has about 170 varieties of this plant. And at home or in a garden it is used because of its unusual and decorative appearance.
On shelves flower shops jatropha is still very rare and its price is quite high, although care is not difficult. Because of its stem, which has unusual shape in the form of an elongated vessel ("bottle"), jatropha is used as an interior decoration, as it looks like a bonsai - a tall bare stem and a beautiful lush green crown. The length of the stem at home can reach a little more than half a meter in height.
Everything winter months the stem of the jatropha looks completely lignified and bald, but as soon as the first rays of the sun begin to warm up and the temperature rises slightly, flower stalks begin to shoot from the stem, on which flowers are located in an umbrella form. Closer to summer, leaves with long legs begin to grow. Flowering begins long before the appearance of wide leaf plates, but the jatropha does not stop blooming and the whole process can last all year. After the end of flowering, the jatropha has yellow fruits with three faces, reaching a length of 2.5 cm. Only three seeds are placed in the fruits in the form of an oval of a centimeter in length.
Due to its relation to the family of small-pea jatropha, it is quite poisonous. There is not a single part of this plant that cannot do harm. If secreted jatropha juice, which looks like milk diluted with water, gets into skin covering, a fairly severe burn may occur.
Description of some types of jatropha
- (Jatropha podagrica). The place of natural growth is the middle strip of America. The stem takes on a decorative appearance in the form of an amphora with a round and wide base and an elongated neck. The height of the stem can reach almost a meter, but the main part of its length goes to the peduncle. The inflorescences are collected from small coral-red bright flowers about a centimeter in diameter. The type of inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, which is extended from one point of growth. At the very beginning of its development, only a few of the largest buds are visible in the inflorescence, which are not distinguished by their beauty. Until the inflorescence itself reaches the level of the leaf plates, it grows very slowly. But as soon as this threshold is passed, the process of maturation and stretching is greatly accelerated. One inflorescence contains flowers of both sexes, which are odorless. Male flowers do not bloom for long - a maximum of a day, but they are replaced by new ones. The flowering of this species of jatropha lasts up to a month, but in the natural environment this process is extended for the entire time of the heat allotted by nature. The leaves of gouty jatropha are very unusual and attractive. They grow on long legs from the stem. Nicely divided into five round parts with an elongated tip. The diameter of all parts of the leaf can reach 18 cm.When the leaf is still young, it has a shiny top and rich, beautiful green color... In the process of its growth, the color of the leaf begins to darken and the glossiness is replaced by a matte surface. On the reverse side, the color differs in bluishness, which also passes to the stem of the leaf.
- Jatropha dissected(Jatropha multifida). Distributed in the territories of Mexico, Brazil and middle lane America. It looks like a low bush. The stems extend to a height of three meters, and are distinguished by decoratively cut leaf plates, which can be divided up to 11 parts. The color of the leaves is green and very dark, diluted with purple shades with a pale green center. From a distance, the plant may resemble a small palm tree. The flowers of the dissected jatropha are distinguished by bright, rich coral shades. As in all species, the inflorescences are umbrella-shaped and are located above the level of the leaf plates. In nature, this species blooms year-round, especially during the hot months. Brown seeds appear in capsule-shaped fruits after the plant has flowered. Jatropha can live in nature as weed, since it dissipates on its own.
- Jatropha Berlandieri(Jatropha berlandieri). Natural habitat of the territory of Mexico. The lower part of the lignified stem in diameter can reach 15 cm, and sometimes 20 cm. In nature, this part of the caudex is located under a layer of soil, in an apartment it rises above the ground. The stems of this species are quite long - 30 cm and they have leaves with elongated legs. The color of the leaf plates is dark green with a bluish sheen, has a serrated edge. The leaf looks like split fingers with five lobes. Peduncles are friable and bear flowers of both sexes painted in orange-red or pink tones. After the cessation of flowering on the jatrof, fruits are formed, which have sufficiently large seeds under their shell.
Jatropha care at home
Content temperature. Jatropha perfectly tolerates temperatures up to 25 degrees during hot seasons. In winter, the main thing is that the thermometer readings do not fall below 10-15 degrees, but it is better to let the jatropha be at the temperature of the living quarters - this will help to ensure normal care.
Lighting. Although jatropha can withstand high temperatures and love bright lighting, it must be protected from direct sunlight for the first time, otherwise the leaves may burn. If you haven't been there for a long time sunny weather or the jatropha was recently purchased, then it must be accustomed to bright lighting consistently. In direct sunlight, casting jatropha begins to grow smaller, and the tails of the leaf plates are smaller than usual, and then the crown of such a plant is much smaller.
But the jatropha is gouty, it loves direct sunlight, although it is better to hide it from the midday sun. Jatropha dissected well tolerates any bright lighting: both bright sunlight and light partial shade. If there is not enough light, the jatropha species becomes less decorative.
Like any plant, jatropha is best placed on windows facing east or west, otherwise it will need to be shaded with curtains on the southern windows, since leaf burns are inevitable. If the pot is on a window facing north, then you will have to arrange additional lighting in order to avoid reducing the beauty and size of the crown.
Watering. When watering, it is necessary to use soft water, in order to obtain such water it is defended for several days or you can soften it with peat if you leave a handful of peat wrapped in gauze overnight in the collected water. From spring days to late summer, water the jatropha sparingly, keeping track of the dryness of the top soil in the pot. If you water it often, then, like any bottle jatropha tree, it can rot. If they forgot to water the jatropha, it can also survive the drought for some time, using its own reserves of water accumulated in the trunk. If this phenomenon continues for a long time, then this threatens that the jatropha will completely discard the foliage. V winter time, jatropha can also completely shed the foliage, in which case watering stops altogether. As soon as new deciduous shoots begin to appear on the plant, watering resumes.
Air humidity. In order for the jatropha to feel comfortable, there is no need to provide it with any special conditions... And spraying air or leaves with jatropha is not necessary. The only thing that can be done is to periodically wipe the hardwood plates with a damp cloth, removing dust.
Top dressing for jatropha. The best way to fertilize a plant is to use a succulent or cactus fertilizer. This procedure is performed once a month during growth activation.
Transfer. It is necessary to deal with changing the jatropha pot during the activity of its development, that is, in spring or summer. The transplanting process occurs no more than once every 3 years. Let the jatropha pot be wider than deeper, taking into account the surface roots. In a pot, high-quality drainage is preferable so that moisture cannot stagnate and the roots do not rot. It is best that the land into which the jatropha is transplanted consists of leafy soil, turf, peat and sand. Such a composition in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1 will be light and has good air and water permeability. Also, small expanded clay or crushed brick can be added to the composition of the earthen mixture.
Reproduction of jatropha
Jatropha propagates by planting seeds and cuttings.
If you are lucky enough to become the owner of jatropha seeds, then you must definitely try to propagate it in this way. The seeds are sown on the surface of the ground. The substrate for planting consists of such components, which are taken in equal parts: peat, sand, sod and leafy soil. Thorough heating of the soil, up to 25 degrees, is imperative. In order for the seeds to germinate, create conditions for a mini-greenhouse, covering the dishes with seeds plastic bag or a piece of glass. The seeds can germinate from a week to two. If everything went well, then the sprouts that have appeared must be planted separately in pots.
The sprouts begin to stretch out quickly and within a few months they will have the same crown as adult plant... Until the young leaves reach the size of an adult plant, they have round edges, but over time, the edges will lengthen and become elongated and wavy. Within two years, the leaves of the young jatropha begin to take on the appearance of a lobe, at which time flowering can occur. The trunk also begins to thicken and take on a "bottle" shape. The only disadvantage of this method is that the seeds quickly lose the possibility of good germination.
Naturally, it is better when there is the mother plant itself and you can try to achieve the maturation of the seeds. Since the flowers of the jatropha are bisexual - there are both male and female on the same plant, you can pollinate yourself. Male flowers are distinguished by the presence of stamens with yellow pollen. Since female flowers bloom most early, the pollination process is carried out at the beginning of flowering. It is necessary to take a brush with a soft bristle and gently transfer the pollen from the male flowers to the female ones. An indicator of successful pollination will be the appearance of a green fruit in the form of an oval, which reaches one and a half centimeters in length. If the fruit is not tied in a bag of gauze, then over time it will turn dark and the seeds will fall out of it and can germinate in neighboring pots. The distance the jatropha spreads its seeds can be up to a meter.
The easiest way to propagate jatropha is cuttings. Chopped cuttings should be lignified. For planting, they are dried for two to five days, then they are dipped with the bottom in any growth stimulator (root, heteroauxin, etc.) and planted in an earthen mixture, which is taken in equal parts, of the following composition:
- humus;
- sand;
- sod land.
The most a big problem- this is the need to provide a dormant period for the jatropha. In winter, the pot with the plant is transferred to a cool place where there is good lighting and during this period the jatropha is watered very little.
Diseases and pests of jatropha
Jatropha is practically not affected by diseases and harmful insects, but difficulties still occur when caring for home.
The problem for jatropha is too much moisture in the soil. If this happens often, then the plant begins to be affected by all kinds of rot. When watering, water should also not fall on the trunk of the plant, as this will also be detrimental to the jatropha. If, nevertheless, the stem began to rot, then the jatropha cannot be saved.
There are also insects that can harm the jatrophy:
- Spider mite - the leaves of the jatropha turn yellow and begin to fall off, this happens when the plant is in a very dry room. First aid - spray the jatropha warm water several times a day, if such a procedure does not bring a positive result, it is necessary to apply insecticide spraying.
- Whitefly - Placed on back side leaf plates, if you touch the plant, they immediately begin to fly off from it. To combat it, insect-acaricidal preparations are used.
- Thrips - jatropha flowers begin to deform and fall off. The plant is lightly rinsed in the shower and sprayed against pests.
- Over-saturation of the soil with fertilizers - the jatropha has greatly slowed down in its growth. Before applying top dressing, it is necessary for the plant to be saturated with moisture.
Learn more about Yatrof from this video:
What a jatropha looks like. An extensive genus of plants, consisting of approximately 170 species of perennial succulents. Jatropha often forms a large, rounded bulge - light brown or gray caudex, which serves to store moisture and nutrients, in connection with which its second name appeared - "bottle tree". Leaves are green or bluish, covered with a waxy bloom, up to 30 cm long, finger-dissected into 3 - 10 segments, located on long petioles. Peduncles are strong, short, bearing a large inflorescence, consisting of many small red, salmon or orange flowers with 5 rounded petals.
Varieties:
Jatropha gouty - Jatropha podagrica
A beautiful succulent plant, with age forms an erect trunk with a thickening - caudex at the base, resembling a bottle and covered with grayish or light brown bark. At the top of the trunk is a lush crown formed from large, dark green, palmate dissected leaves. The edges of the leaf plates are corrugated; young leaves are often very dark - almost black, with highlighted light veins. During the flowering period, the plant throws out from the top of the trunk a low, strong peduncle, at the top of which there is an inflorescence - an umbrella with yellow, orange or pink flowers.
Jatropha integerrima, whole-edged - Jatropha integerrima
In its natural environment, this species reaches a height of 4.5 m and is a dense, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. As the name suggests, the plant has simple, oblong - oval, "whole-edged" emerald green leaves with branched veins and long petioles. The leaf blades may be slightly bent along the central vein. The flowers are bright pink, with 5 oblong petals, collected in inflorescences - small umbrellas on the tops of the shoots.
Jatropha curcas
This subspecies can grow as a multi-stemmed shrub or a sturdy tree with large, palmate - dissected green leaves, forming a gorgeous crown. The leaf blades are covered with a large network of veins and have slightly corrugated edges. The flowers are small, greenish, inconspicuous, flowering is not of particular interest. After flowering, the plant forms hanging oblong green fruits, which, when ripe, turn yellow, and then dry out and turn brown. These fruits resemble a lemon in their shape.
Jatropha dissected - Jatropha multifida
Very tender aerial plant with beautiful complex leaves, consisting of several long, hanging, lanceolate leaf plates (15 - 30 cm in length) and long petioles. In nature, this subspecies reaches a height of 3 m. When damaged, the stems emit poisonous milky sap. The flowers are small, bright red, gathered in umbrellas on the tops of strong shoots.
Jatropha mahafalensis - Jatropha mahafalensis
Perhaps the largest subspecies - in nature, the height of plants can reach 5 - 6 m. The stems are thick, powerful, covered with brown bark, at the base of the trunk of the plant they form an oblong caudex. Leaflets are palmate - dissected, pointed, green, on long petioles. The flowers are white or cream.
Height... The jatropha plant reaches a height of 30 cm - 1 m when grown in pots. It grows slowly.
Jatropha home care
Temperature conditions ... The growing season takes place at a normal room temperature in the range of 18 - 25 ° C. Indoor jatropha should rest in a cool room with a temperature of about 15 ° C. Do not expose the plants to temperatures below 10 ° C.
Lighting... V summer time The jatropha is shaded during the daytime, but allow the sun's rays to hit the leaves in the morning and evening. In autumn and winter, the jatropha loses its leaves and lighting during this period of time does not play any role.
Care... Jatropha is effective and at the same time unpretentious, she is afraid of excessive care rather than neglect. The plant may lose some of its leaves in the fall, before dormant time. 
Substrate... Well-drained, organic-rich mixture of peat with leaf humus and coarse sand.
Top dressing... During the growth period, they are fed monthly with water-soluble fertilizers. No feeding is carried out in autumn and winter.
Appointment. Flowering time... Summer. Air humidity
... Does not need high humidity and develops well in the usual living environment. Soil moisture
... In spring and summer, water is plentiful, but rarely, allowing the substrate to dry out to 1/3 of the depth before each subsequent watering. After the plants shed their leaves, the frequency of watering is significantly reduced and the jatropha is kept practically in the ground. Transfer... Young plants are planted annually in fresh soil, changing the size of the pot if necessary. Adult jatropha is transplanted in the spring, every 3 years, while respecting the planting depth. Reproduction, growing from seeds
... Jatropha seeds are planted in spring. Germination occurs within 1 month. The seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of at least 25 ° C. Half-ripened cuttings about 10 cm long. The bases of the cuttings are dried for several days before planting and powdered with growth hormones. Pests and diseases
... Rot occurs with insufficient air circulation and abundant watering, especially during dormancy. Leaves turn yellow when there is a lack of lighting. Red spider mites, whiteflies. Note... Jatropha is poisonous - keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Jatropha oil can be used as a biofuel for internal combustion engines. Hydroponics.
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Jatropha is considered to be a member of the Molochaev family. The native land of the plant is Central Africa: from this territory, the culture spread throughout the tropics and subtropics. Like all milkweed, jatropha is poisonous - its organs contain toxic elements. The most poisonous are seeds.
The main characteristics of the plant are summarized in the table:
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Important! When keeping jatropha at home, one should take into account the fact that its organs and seeds are poisonous. This plant should not be kept in a home with small children and pets.
Main types
The genus of jatropha includes about 175 species, among which are succulents, shrubs, trees.
At home, 2 varieties are most often grown:
Conditions for growing at home
Jatropha is not capricious, but its decorative effect is fully revealed when certain conditions are created.
Lighting
One of the conditions for stable growth and flowering of a plant is bright lighting. Jatropha loves to be under sunbeams, and only in the midday heat it needs to be slightly shaded so as not to provoke leaf burns.
Important! Proper lighting is very important for the plant. With a lack of light in jatropha, stretching of internodes and a loss of decorativeness are observed.
The plant manages to reveal its beauty when placed on window sills located on east side... It grows well on windows facing southeast and southwest. When grown from the north side, jatropha most often withers away, refuses to bloom, forms small leaves.
It is interesting that if you gradually accustom the plant to partial shade, then it is able to get used to such an environment, only slightly changing the color of the leaves. But training must begin at a young age.
Airing
The considered decorative culture loves Fresh air, however, it must be protected from drafts. Daily ventilation of the room where the jatropha grows is recommended. At this time, it must be taken out to another room or make sure that it is not affected by direct air currents.
In summer, the flower will respond favorably if it is transferred to a glazed loggia or balcony. 
Temperature regime
TO temperature regime the plant does not put forward special requirements. From March to October, it feels great in such a temperature range - + 18-22 ° С. From October and throughout the winter, if possible, the temperature should be gradually reduced to + 14–16 ° С.
Air humidity
Indicators of air humidity in a room where jatropha is kept do not play a role in its growth and development. It can grow at both low and high humidity. Therefore, if there are no other plants in the room, then there is no need to install a humidifier or carry out regular spraying.
The flower will respond well if dust is regularly removed from its leaves with a damp cloth.
Did you know? Jatropha seeds contain 40% oil, which, when processed, can be used as biofuel. In 2010, the first air flight was made using fuel that is 50% jatropha-based kerosene.
How to care at home
Jatropha care comes down to standard and simple procedures - moisturizing, fertilizing, replanting.
Watering
Water the plant when the top soil layer dries up. Watering should be moderate. If the jatropha is loyal to short-term droughts, then it reacts poorly to bays.
In summer, the flower can be watered daily, in other seasons - 2-3 times a week. In winter, during the dormant period, moisture is reduced to a minimum - watered 2-3 days after it has dried upper level land. 
If the plant is transferred to cool conditions and completely sheds foliage, then moisture can be removed altogether. But at the same time, the condition of the flower should be monitored daily.
Watering after wintering is resumed in February: they begin with scant portions, gradually increasing the volume and frequency.
The plant needs the most moisture during the flowering period.
Water for irrigation is taken warm (room temperature). For indoor flowers, rainwater, filtered or settled for 2 days, is used.
Water the jatropha under the root, making sure that moisture does not get on the leaves and stem.
Important! With infrequent watering, the plant will accumulate moisture in the trunk, which means that it will be thicker than those flowers that are watered regularly.
Top dressing
Fertilize this crop only during the growing season. The last feeding is done in September. During the dormant period, fertilization is prohibited - this can have a detrimental effect on the development of the plant and will not allow it to properly endure wintering.
During the growing season, you will need 1 top dressing per month. Fertilizers developed for cacti and succulents are used for jatropha. The dosage is calculated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
Transfer
There are no recommendations for replanting this plant regularly. Since it develops powerful roots, it is necessary to transplant as soon as it becomes cramped in the pot - about once every 2-3 years. For transplanting, they acquire a larger pot and new soil.
The container for planting is chosen shallow and wide: it can be plastic or ceramic. If a tall and narrow pot is used, then you need to lay in it a large number of drainage.
Jatropha is planted in soil designed for cacti and succulents. You can also mix it with your own hands - for this, part of the leafy land is taken and half of the sod soil, peat, and sand. You can mix broken brick, vermiculite, perlite, small stones.
Important! Purchased soil does not need preliminary processing. The earthen mixture, mixed independently, must be disinfected by watering a solution of potassium permanganate or by keeping at high temperatures in the oven, microwave.
They begin to transplant in the spring, when signs of the formation of young leaves appear. They use a transshipment method in which the old earthen lump is not destroyed.
The step-by-step technology is as follows:
- Water the flower well.
- Remove it together with the earthen clod from the container in which it grows.
- Lay a drainage layer of expanded clay, pebbles and other materials suitable for the purpose of drainage at the bottom of the pot - the layer should occupy 1/3 of the entire capacity.
- Top up with a layer of soil mixture.
- Place a flower with an earthen lump in the center.
- Cover with potting soil.
- Water abundantly.
- Mulch the topsoil with stone chips, expanded clay, pebbles or aquarium soil.
Reproduction
Jatropha can be propagated by cuttings and seed methods. The first method is simpler and more affordable, so it is used more often.
Cuttings
Cuttings are made in spring: strong lignified shoots are cut off.
Then the following procedures are performed:
- The sections are dried until the liquid ceases to stand out.
- Cuttings are treated with a growth stimulant.
- They are planted in the soil.
- Place the container with future plants in a place with a temperature of + 28 ° C.
- A month later, after the roots appear, young jatrophes are transplanted into a pot.
By the seed method, the flower is propagated as follows:
- Moisten the substrate before planting.
- The seeds are placed on the surface. They do not fall asleep with soil.
- The container is covered with a film or glass, placed in conditions with a temperature of + 25 ° C and above, as well as in bright sunlight.
- Crops are periodically sprayed from a spray bottle with warm, settled water.
- Every day, the shelter is removed for a while for ventilation.
- After the sprouts appear - after about 2 weeks - the shelter is removed.
- When 2 leaves appear, a pick is made.
- After the formation of 5–6 leaves, young specimens are transplanted to a permanent place.
The seeds must be collected with their own hands after artificial pollination. Experts note that germination can only be achieved from freshly harvested seeds. The soil substrate is purchased from a specialized store. The one used for planting adult jatrophes is suitable.
As a container for growing, they use those that are at hand, or purchase special boxes, peat pots, tablets, cassettes for seedlings.
Jatropha seedlings grow very quickly: after just a few months, they no longer differ from adult specimens. In young plants, round leaves are formed at first, then they become wavy. The blades appear at the age of two, during the same period flowering begins.
Difficulties in growing
One of the advantages of jatropha is that it has a strong immune system, practically does not get sick and does not become infected with pests (only in the vicinity of diseased plants). In rare cases, when the owner floods it too much in winter, it can be affected by rot.
You can notice this problem by the state of the leaves (they wither, soften, fall off) and the type of roots during transplantation. To fix the problem, you need to rinse the roots. hot water, cut off the damage, treat the cut sites with charcoal or activated carbon and transplant the plant into new pot completely replacing the soil.
Did you know? Jatropha is considered by specialists at the Danforth Plant Research Center as a promising crop for the manufacture of bioplastics that can decompose in the ground.
If you make mistakes in leaving, the jatropha can react with changes in appearance. 
Most often, you can observe the following manifestations:
- Wilted, turned yellow, leaves are falling. This happens when there is insufficient watering. To eliminate the problem and restore the former beauty, it is necessary to establish the irrigation regime and increase their volume.
- The plant sheds unopened buds. The factor provoking such a shedding is a lack of moisture. During the flowering period, watering should be intensified.
- Leaves fall in autumn. For jatropha, this can be normal and preparation for a dormant period. If no other symptoms are noticed, then nothing needs to be done. You can only try to lower the temperature by 2-3 ° C.
- The flower does not grow. Perhaps the reason lies in improper feeding or their absence. It is necessary to establish regular application of the recommended type of fertilizer.
So now you know how to care for a beautiful and exotic look. houseplant jatropha: even a beginner in the flower business will succeed in growing it. However, buying a flower is not so easy - it is a rare guest on store shelves and is quite expensive.