Jatropha costaricensis Plant Care

Jatropha costaricensis (Jatropha costaricensis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Jatropha genus. Jatropha costaricensis is native to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Jatropha costaricensis displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Jatropha costaricensis produces small clusters of red, pink, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jatropha costaricensis every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Jatropha costaricensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Jatropha costaricensis tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Jatropha costaricensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Jatropha costaricensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jatropha costaricensis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jatropha costaricensis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Jatropha costaricensis can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Jatropha costaricensis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Jatropha costaricensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Jatropha costaricensis can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to physic nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Jatropha costaricensis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Jatropha costaricensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Jatropha costaricensis is native to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. In cooler regions, grow Jatropha costaricensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.