Cotton-leaf Jatropha Plant Care

Cotton-leaf Jatropha (Jatropha gossypiifolia) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Jatropha genus. Cotton-leaf Jatropha is native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean islands. Cotton-leaf Jatropha is also known as Black Physic Nut, Bellyache Bush, Peregrina.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

Cotton-leaf Jatropha thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Jatropha gossypiifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Cotton-leaf Jatropha prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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 Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

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

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Cotton-leaf Jatropha 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.

Cotton-leaf Jatropha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cotton-leaf Jatropha is native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean islands. In cooler regions, grow Cotton-leaf Jatropha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.