Coral flower (Jatropha multifida)

There are plants that are very curious, such as the Jatropha multifida. This it is a species whose flowers are a coral red color that attracts a lot of attention. In addition, it has palmate and lobed leaves, a feature 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 am going to 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 characteristics?

It is a succulent shrub related to euphoria native to tropical America, where it is found from southern Mexico to Brazil. It can reach a height of 6 meters, and develops a trunk that widens at its base.

The leaves, as we mentioned at the beginning, are palmate, green, and measure about 10 centimeters wide by more or less the same height. Also, you should know that they are perennial, but may fall if exposed to low temperatures.

Its flowers are coral red. and sprout from a flower stalk throughout the spring and summer. And its fruits are yellowish capsules that contain about three small seeds.

It is important that you know that it's toxic, because inside it contains a latex (milky sap) that, if it comes into contact with the skin, causes irritation, itching and redness. Nor should it be consumed, because doing so would cause vomiting and abdominal pain. For this reason, it must be kept away from children, as well as from pets.

What are the care of the coral flower?

If you have liked what you have read so far and have decided to get a copy, now is a good time for you to know what care you have to give it:

Interior or exterior?

This depends on the temperatures in winter. The Jatropha multifida it is sensitive to frost, so if there are frosts in your area, you will have to bring it indoors in the fall so that it does not suffer damage. Now, it is also an option to keep it indoors all year round if you have a room where there is a lot of light, that is, one where a lot of sunlight enters.

But whether you are going to have it outdoors all year, or just a few months, you should place it in a sunny place or with a little shade.

Pot or soil?

Again, it depends. Do you have the possibility of growing it outside all year round? Then it can certainly be on the ground; but if you have to put it in the house, it is best to have it in a pot. Of course, in any case, you have to plant it in a light soil, which quickly drains the water; otherwise, its roots will drown and the plant will rot.

Therefore, In a pot, you will put a substrate for cacti and other succulents such as this, and if the soil in the garden is not suitable, a planting hole of about 50 x 50cm will be made and filled with said substrate.

How often should it be watered?

Since it resists drought much better than excess water, irrigation will generally be scarce. You only have to water it when you see the land completely dry, that is, more or less once a week during the summer, and once every 15 to 20 days the rest of the year.

When it comes to watering, we have to moisten the earth, not the plant. Also, if we have it in a pot, it has to have holes in its base; and if we put a plate under it, we will have to drain it after watering.

When should it be transplanted? Jatropha multifida?

We recommend planting it in the ground or in a larger pot in mid-spring, or even latewhen summer is approaching. The reason is that being a tropical plant, it needs high temperatures to recover as soon as possible from the transplant.

If it is in a pot, we will put it in one that is about 5 to 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 rooted well, that is, when the roots protrude through the holes, or every 3-4 years.

With what must be paid?

To make it grow well and flourish, it must be paid with a fertilizer, or with a fertilizer that is suitable for succulent plants (cacti and succulents) like this one from here. But yes, the indications that can be read on the container will be followed in order to achieve the best results.

How does it multiply?

La Jatropha multifida or coral flower multiplies by seeds and/or cuttings stem in spring-summer. Both the seeds and the cuttings must be sown/planted (as the case may be) in pots with a specific substrate for cacti and succulents. They will be placed in a sunny place, and the soil will be kept moist but not waterlogged.

What is its resistance to cold?

It is practically non-existent. Supports cool temperatures, from 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?