Jatropha Podagrica 'Oranje' in 13 cm pot

Commonly referred to as the Buddha Belly Plant, Gout Plant or the Australian Bottle Plant.  Native to the neotropics of Central America, specifically southern Mexico to Nicaragua.

This unusual and rarely seen succulent is characterized by its instinctive, swollen trunk and tiny clusters of warm orange flowers.  When fully mature the Jatropha can reach up to 1 metre in height and almost as much in width. 

Jatropha plants thrive in bright, indirect light, a south facing window is perfect for this plant.  Avoid low light conditions as this can cause the leaves to drop. The Jatropha is drought tolerant, therefore treat like a cactus and water only when the soil is completely dry.  These plants like to be warm so if keeping them in a greenhouse or conservatory, try not to let them experience temperatures below 5°.

These plants can go into dormancy in the winter months.  They will drop their leaves to conserve energy.  When this happens, hold off watering until new growth emerges in the Spring.