Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly when dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, only providing enough to keep the caudex from shriveling.
Also known as Australian Bottle Plant · Bhudda Belly Plant · Bottle Plant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Jatropha podagrica, the Goutystalk Nettlespurge, is a striking succulent shrub with a swollen, tuberous stem and bright red flower clusters.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid intense direct sun
Allow soil to dry out between waterings
25% intensity
Reduce watering in winter
Well-draining, sandy or gritty mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures
50% intensity
Protect from frost
Outdoor, Indoor
50% intensity
Feed during growing season
25% intensity
Use diluted balanced fertilizer
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly when dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, only providing enough to keep the caudex from shriveling.
Prune to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems. Pruning can also encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts just above a node. This stimulates new growth from that point.
Propagate from seeds sown in well-draining compost in spring, or from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting.
Both methods require warmth and bright, indirect light.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid waterlogging.
Handle the swollen caudex with care.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Goutystalk Nettlespurge (Jatropha podagrica)
Where Goutystalk Nettlespurge (Jatropha podagrica) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Jatropha |
| Species | Jatropha podagrica |
Similar in genus Jatropha
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data