Spread a layer of mulch along the base of the plant to aid in retention of soil moisture and control of weeds. Pinch off branch tips in early spring with a pruning clipper once the Jatropha reaches a height of 2 feet to promote new, lush branch growth. A full sun setting will produce the most flowers. Its very irritating to the skin and is damaging if it makes contact with your eyes. The lower leaves turn yellow and fall off as a result of the process of natural aging. It needs full to part sun and a well-drained spot. To make it grow like a tree, remove all but one of the stems that emerge from the ground. document.write(year) South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com All rights reserved. Jatropha, which is not eaten by animals, is a vigorous, drought- and pest-resistant plant that is planted in tropical countries principally as a hedge, protecting . Coral plant is a bit more cold tender than peregrina. The beauty of the jatropha tree is not only its butterfly-attracting scarlet flowers - but also that it blooms an amazing 365 days a year. Passionate about plants? Make clean cuts at an angle to prevent diseases or damage, using a sharp knife. The plant grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, but it will also grow in zone 9b when there is no risk of frost. Trim regularly to keep the plant full and bushy and do a hard pruning in spring (late March or early April). Youll need a mature tree producing shoots. Alpha diversity of endophytic communities in roots (A and C) and stems (B and D) measured as observed OTUs (A and B) and Shannon entropy (C and D). Plantcaretoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The flowers bring butterflies and attract hummingbirds, which bring an extra dose of color into your yard. Jatropha can be pruned at any time. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Fertilize 3 times a year spring, summer, and autumn, with a top quality granular fertilizer. Prune in the late winter after the last frost but before the plant puts out new growth. Characteristics It should be noted that all parts of Jatropha are poisonous when ingested, so take care if you have children or pets frequenting your landscape. document.write(year) South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com All rights reserved. 4 How tall does a jatropha plant need to be? Make clean cuts at an angle to prevent diseases or damage, using a sharp knife. london mayor candidates Use a water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release pellets. For most trees, approximately one year of growth for every inch of the tree diameter is necessary for proper recovery and preparation for pruning. Prune Spicy Jatropha to control its growth and guide the form it takes. The simple green leaves grow in an alternating arrangement along the stems. Posted: October 2, 2020. For more information on this important, over-arching program, please contact Sara Weber, FFL Education-Training Specialist, at Sara.Weber@charlottecountyfl.gov . The one-inch wide scarlet-red flowers can technically appear year round and are favored by hummingbirds and butterflies including monarchs, swallowtails, and zebra longwings. The shrub literally blooms all the time - even if winter chill has caused some leaf drop (which it often does). Because it holds its flowers above the foliage, jatropha is delightfully showy. The first year after planting your rootstock, cut the tree or shrub down to about 30 inches, maximum. Start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and as deep or not much deeper than the root ball of your Anise plant. Remove the stub precisely right against the stem collar. 3 times a year - spring, summer, and autumn, with a top quality Otherwise, it will develop multiple trunks and form a nice rounded shrub of equal height and width. Fertilize Then remove lower branches from your jatropha as it grows. Attracts butterfliesAttracts hummingbirdsDeer/rabbit resistantSuper-easy to grow. A zebra longwing butterfly on the bright red flowers of a jatropha shrub in the butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Use a water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release pellets. Versatile and showy, the clusters of tiny but vivid flowers stand out against deep green leaves and the small size makes it the perfect accent tree for sunny areas. The 1-inch-widebright red or pink flowers are produced year-round in beautiful clusters held upright . The University of Florida, IFAS. You can do several hard prunings throughout warm weather if you want. During this time, cut back the branches to two-thirds of their length. We've put together plant groupings to help you visualize how various plants look together. This plants both maintenance and drought tolerant. You can let it grow naturally into an interesting multi-trunked tree, or with some pruning, it can be trained into a fabulous espalier, shrub, or single-trunked tree. It is not a shade tree by any regards, but it can be pruned and trained to one central trunk to assume a tree-like appearance. Keep the pot in a warm water container for a while, this makes the soil a bit moist. Jatrophas are drought-tolerant once established, preferring regular waterings with time to dry out in between. Though all parts of the plant are poisonous, seeds have the highest concentration of the toxin and are highly poisonous. Planting Jatropha. Experimental Olive harvest using trunk-shaking harvesters provided by Erick Neilsen Enterprises and Orchard Machinery Co. Nickels Soil Lab, Colusa Co., 2008. It blooms reliably every day of the year. This is especially true if you grow jatropha in a container garden. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. Yes it can! Spread a layer of mulch along the base of the plant to aid in retention of soil moisture and control of weeds. Make clean cuts at an angle to prevent diseases or damage, using a sharp knife. A delightful shrub for a sunny spot in any size South Florida landscape, this pretty plant grows full and lush with regular trimming, and makes an excellent accent or anchor for a garden bed with other butterfly attracting plants. Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R. & McLean, D. C. (2018) Jatropha integerrima: Peregrina. Okay Gardenstew, its been a while. It blooms reliably every day of the year. Feed the Jatropha plant once in early spring and again in late summer. Water frequently (two times daily) for the first week. Phenomena and Processes 10. All Rights Reserved. This plant is not salt tolerant. Ralph previously contributed to the SpaceMonkey blogger account. Most of the time, this landscape shrub doesn't require fertilization unless it's grown in container gardens. It grows as an evergreen shrub and can reach 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. I think my jatropha is very 'full bodied' Whenever the cold weather knocks all the leaves off of it I take it down to the top of the main trunk and just leave about 2 inches of every branch. Young plants get very thick and sturdy leaves with veins almost on top of the leaf surface. You can do several hard prunings throughout warm weather if you want. A height of 6 feet is suggested for jatropha plants. Gardening Solutions UF/IFAS (2020) Jatropha. Cutting should be taken from the base of the tree, be at least 18 inches long and have a minimum of four nodes. Place the pot in a warm, bright place and wait for new growth to emerge. While these two species are not a problem in our state, there are some Jatropha species that are problematic in Florida. Trim the top of the jatropha to maintain a specific height or shape, using pruning shears. This shrub is drought-tolerant once established. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. An ebook by Chase Landreauthor of South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com. The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants and landscaping! Leaves are oblong and grow to a length of 4 8 inches. What is the work of Jatropha? They are also very attractive to a wide variety of butterflies including: The star-shaped 1 inch wide deep red flowers with yellow stamens are held in branched clusters on 4 inch long stalks around glossy green foliage. Pruning jatropha begins after the plants trunk equals more than 1 1/2 inches in diameter at ground level. Prune back the Jatropha plant in late winter. This plant is not salt tolerant. Fertilize jatropha, if necessary, in the spring and summer months. Without regular trimming, and even sometimes with pruning, they have a tendency to get leggy and a little bare at the bottom. There are a number of plants in the genus Jatropha that can be found growing in our landscapes, but the Jatropha, aka: peregrina, spicy jatropha, or fire-cracker, is a gardeners favorite. Feed the Jatropha plant once in early spring and again in late summer. Jatropha can be pruned at any time. How do you shape a cherry blossom tree? Trim regularly to keep the plant full and bushy and do a hard pruning in spring (late March or early April). Identify the major branches of the tree that make up its "skeleton." Avoid removal of these branches. Use a water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release pellets. Tip pruning will give the appearance of a shrub giving the plant a round shape. Similarly, in case of Red Braeburn, the highest increment in tree height (37.35 cm Spread of each experimental tree was measured and 39.75cm) was recorded in control whereas with the help of measuring tape in two directions the lowest increment in tree height (23.85 cm i.e. Most gardeners use the Jatropha as a specimen plant, but they can also be made into a privacy screen or hedge when planted three-feet apart and pruned to keep its growth in-bounds. Cut the branches from the underside of them to prevent them from cracking closely to the trunk. In regions that have harsh winters, late-summer pruning encourages new growth that might not harden before the cold settles in. Jatrophas are drought-tolerant once established, preferring regular waterings with time to dry out in between. Native to Cuba, Jatropha is a large shrub or small tree upwards to fifteen feet tall. There are variations of this plant - a similar one that blooms pink in sun or shade, as well as others with totally different foliage and smaller flowers - but this is the best of the bunch for an outstanding landscape shrub. UF/IFAS, some rights reserved. How to Prune Jatropha. Photo: Edward Baker, some rights reserved (cc-by-nc-sa 2.0). Expect viburnum snowball bushes to blossom in May. Prepare the seeds by soaking them in warm water for eight hours before planting. Primary Purpose. Its not a good choice for the seaside or beach setting. Check out our page on Butterfly Gardening! It will do best with a regular irrigation schedule and time to dry out between waterings. Feed the Jatropha plant once in early spring and again in late summer. See our Gardening How-To section for answers! (45-60 cm) 24-36 in. Tip pruning will give the appearance of a shrub giving the plant a round shape. The dark green leaves make a nice backdrop. When grown in tropical and subtropical regions, Jatropha has been known to bloom all year. Jatropha is an evergreen shrub or small tree with stunning flowers that will bring butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. These plants can be cold-sensitive and do best in Zone 10. Add top soil or organic peat moss and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant. You can prune jatropha at any time. How Much Light Do Coral Plants Need? Its a good idea to cover the plant if cold temperatures are expected. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design (2010) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS. Trees Ericaceae Quercus Oleaceae Coniferophyta Fagaceae Rhododendron Larix Angiosperms Pachysandra Cistus Pinus Litchi Camellia Gymnosperms. Pinch off the tips in each subsequent year until the plant reaches a height of 6 feet. Growing points will dry and the plant stops growing until a new flush starts, provoked by rain or irrigation. The individual flowers on this species are star-shaped and generally red, although a pink-flowered variety exists. Using a large planter, Jatropha can be containerized making it an attractive asset for a deck or patio. Then remove lower branches from your jatropha as it grows. Step 2. Pinch off branch tips in early spring with a pruning clipper once the Jatropha reaches a height of 2 feet to promote new, lush branch growth. hawthorne and muhly grass. Fertilize jatropha, if necessary, in the spring and summer months. Other plants you might like: Firespike, Firebush, Copyright 2011-var today=new Date() crown of thorns, dwarf bougainvillea, lantana, bulbine, plumbago, Indian If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Want to learn more about South Florida planting, watering, fertilizing and dealing with weeds and pests? A height of 6 feet is suggested for jatropha plants. Jatropha plants need well-drained soil, and while they can handle partial shade to full sun, they will flower best in areas with full sun. Resources: granular fertilizer. There are countless types of artificial plants and artificial trees to choose from at Pepperfry. Plant directly into the soil outdoors in a sunny location. To grow from seed: Prepare the seeds by soaking them in warm water for eight hours before planting. You can trim for shape anytime. If you have questions about jatropha, just drop us an email and our experts will get back to you. It has a moderate growth rate. East-West and North-South at the end of 21.93 cm) was found in PBZ . Hurricane Pruning. Feed the Jatropha plant once in early spring and again in late summer. Pruning jatropha begins after the plants trunk equals more than 1 1/2 inches in diameter at ground level. In areas warm enough to support its growth, wait until mid-May or later to set it out. Availability: In Stock GPO Stock Number: 001-000-04755-8 ISBN: 9780160913761. Choose an area with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Remove lower branches on the Jatropha with pruning clippers or a saw to force a single central stem when the desired stem has reached a diameter of about 1 1/2 inches. The ultimate guide to low-maintenance plants. Jatropha integerrima grows well in Hawaii and Florida but its not considered invasive. In shaping the tree crown, remove lateral branches that are growing upright. Learn how to get instant curb appeal with fast growing plants and landscaping techniques! The soil should consist of equal parts of sand, garden soil, and aged manure. Pinch off branch tips in early spring with a pruning clipper once the Jatropha reaches a height of 2 feet to promote new, lush branch growth. Keep it as a summer annual or a patio container tree in colder locations. Reduce watering to once daily until the seedlings are ready to be transplanted. Young leaves are too small for lack of nutrients. Butterflies and bees love them. 'Compacta' is the most popular variety for South Florida and the one commonly sold in plant nurseries. The Jatropha plant contains a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin. If you plant several in a row, place them 4 to 6 feet apart. Spend a few moments looking at the tree's size and shape and imagining how it should look when you are finished. Jatropha grows best in zones 10 to 11. Fig. A similar tree you can purchase for your yard is a dwarf jacaranda tree. Cover the newly cut stumps with soil to prevent drying and fungal problems. A full sun setting will produce the most flowers. They can be pruned as a single trunk for tree growth, or tip pruned for internal branching. Water the Jatropha on a regular basis during times of low rainfall. Remove branches crossing or touching to increase air circulation and light penetration. Dallas Arboretum Trial Gardens: Jatropha Integerrima. See our Gardening How-To section for answers! Why is my Jatropha tree turning yellow? This tree is a fast grower - the dwarf variety gets only 6 to 8 feet tall. This plant is not salt tolerant. Cover the newly cut stumps with soil to prevent drying and fungal problems. how to prune a jatropha tree. A variegated cultivar adds a new dimension with white and creamy splashes of variegation which really make the red flowers pop. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy? It will do best with a regular irrigation schedule and time to dry out between waterings. First Time Home Buyer? June 30, 2022; kitchen ready tomatoes substitute . Year-round, the Firecracker tree produces pretty flowers to attract hummingbirds. Pinch off branch tips in early spring with a pruning clipper once the Jatropha reaches a height of 2 feet to promote new, lush branch growth. You can prune jatropha at any time. 4. Cut off any dead or dying branches and remove discolored leaves. that help develop a sustainable landscape. 2. These plants can reach about 15 feet tall and have an equal spread when left unpruned. Prune heavily in spring (late March and early April) and it will fill out quickly to become lush and full. A Jatropha will usually have more than one trunk, but you can trim it down to look more like one tree. Prune the bush after the flowers bloom in spring. kg/ha Irrigation It is required only for the first two years Pruning During first year when branches reach a height of 40-60 . Make clean cuts at an angle to prevent diseases or damage, using a sharp knife. These plants can reach about 15 feet tall and have an equal spread when left unpruned. It is an broadleaf evergreen which has an interesting assortment of different-shaped six-inch long leaves oval, fiddle-shaped and lobed all on one plant. health screening for preschoolers ati. How often to fertilize Jatropha in South Florida? Fertilize jatropha, if necessary, in the spring and summer months. Pair with other plants that like it on the dry side, such as juniper, Jatropha is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that grows well in arid to semiarid regions. hand-saw, 12-16 inches bottle of rubbing alcohol or 10:1 diluted bleach whetting stone/sharpener oil file safe ladder (3-legged are best for uneven ground) pole pruner, 10-foot (optional) chain saw (optional) Tree pruning priorities Maintain the health of the tree remove all dead, dying, and diseased limbs Were your online gardening resource for plant info and inspiration. So are we! It needs full to part sun and a well-drained spot. Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Flowers can be followed by seed capsules filled with seeds. You still need to follow the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle #1. which is Right Plant. Right Place, but this beautiful flowering shrub is readily available and puts on a nice show! Where is the best place to plant Jatropha? Few Categories Of Artificial Potted Plants: Jatropha tolerate pruning well, which gives you options when it comes to the form of your plant. 9 How often to fertilize Jatropha in South Florida? Once established, J. integerrima and J. multifida are both low maintenance and drought tolerant. wide low-growing tree that is easier to harvest. Water the Jatropha on a regular basis during times of low rainfall. The perennial peanut as a turf alternative groundcover, Beat the summer heat with the summer snapdragon, Preparing for the next cold snap just in case, https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteMGLifeline/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha_integerrima. Jatrophas are also cold sensitive and may lose leaves after a frost, which is seldom a problem this far south. liquid to keep the blooms coming on strong. Compromised plants may be subject to predation by leaf miners, plant scale, and mites. You can prune jatropha at any time. These branches aren't securely attached to the tree, and they are likely to break on a windy day. Warning. Jatropha from the family Euphorbiaceae is a very versatile plant that does well in groupings or as specimen plants in hardinesszones 9B through 11. Prune your jatropha during the dormant season. [2] 4. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool . Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. Firecracker Jatropha is easy to care for once its established. What is a Jatropha Curcas Tree? Cut lateral branches, leaving six to eight buds on the branches. With plentiful flowers and few maintenance needs, what isnt to love? Mortality is rare. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. All Rights Reserved. Flowers are 1-inch wide and are produced year-round in beautiful clusters that are held upright above the lobed leaves. When it comes to pruning palm trees, less is usually better. Keep the trunk free of baby shoots to maintain the tree look. Make sure the branches are spaced so that each one has room to grow and reach its full potential. Repotting Like most plants, it flowers best when it gets an even supply of moisture though the season. If left these lateral branches will compete with the leader and form a weak, multi-leader tree. This plant has red flowers that appear at the end of every branch. In tropical and subtropical areas, it's easy to find jatropha (also called peregrina). Prune back the Jatropha plant in late winter. But with frequent "haircuts" (minor trimming back of branches) they can be kept nicely rounded for a formal landscape. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , gouttes de pluie sur jeune feuille de jatropha image by Unclesam from, Dallas Arboretum Trial Gardens: Jatropha Integerrima. How long does it take for a Jatropha tree to grow? It is considered to be drought tolerant once established. The Jatropha is a Florida-Friendly Landscaping plant, and can be depended on as sustainable and rewarding choice within your landscape plant palette. Wipe the blades of the pruning clipper with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the introduction of disease in the open wounds after trimming. Jatropha is a toxic plant, so keep this in mind regarding its proximity to children and pets the speckled seeds are especially attractive. Ebooks that help you grow, design and enjoy your landscape! Like its cousin Jatropha podagrica (buddha belly plant) Integerrima grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Because of its broad-spectrum activity, we investigated aqueous and methanol leaf extracts for cytotoxicity and its potential to inhibit hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus. The dwarf jatropha tree (Jatropha integerrima 'Compacta') is the one to Over-watering can kill the Jatropha plant. Jatropha, also known as peregrina (Jatropha integerrima), is an evergreen that can be trimmed into a shrub or small tree for an ornamental feature in the home landscape. Plant 3 feet apart to grow as a hedge or privacy screen. The poisonous property of the plant is mainly due to presence of toxalbumin called curcin and cyanic acid, related to ricinoleic acid. The Jatropha Tree is a pretty drought tolerant plant. 1. Other than its botanical name you may hear this evergreen shrub called by its common names including: This tropical evergreen grows up to 15 feet high and wide. Dont forget that Florida-Friendly Landscaping is a program that our office encourages as it promotes planting the right plant in the right place, water conservation, common sense pest management, sensible use of fertilizers, composting, etc. Keep the trunk free of baby shoots to maintain the tree look. Jatropha curcas is known for various medicinal uses. Jatropha grows best in zones 10 to 11. Trim off all branches in the lower 12 inches of the Jatropha in the dormant season after the second year of growth to promote new branch growth and flower production. 7 When is the best time to prune a Jatropha? They are marginal in zone 9B; frosts and freezes will damage them, but they usually recover quickly. The plant has a rounded or . Those growing in full sun flower best, though. How to Prune Trees (Revised 2012) Agency Publisher: Agriculture Dept., Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Price forestry USA List Price:$4.00 Sale:$2.00. The Coral plant is content with rocky ground once its roots have firmly implanted into the earth. Pinch off branch tips in early spring with a pruning clipper once the Jatropha reaches a height of 2 feet to promote new, lush branch growth. You can keep this plant about 5 or 6 feet tall (or larger if you like - even 8 feet). Trim off yellowing and unproductive branches during the growing season to focus plant energy to branch and seed production. 21800 SW 162ND Ave. Miami, Florida 33170| (800) 327-7074 Removing large branches leaves stubs that can cause several health problems. Trim off all branches in the lower 12 inches of the Jatropha in the dormant season after the second year of growth to promote new branch growth and flower production. Always use gloves when working with Jatropha. This step generally occurs in the first six months of growth to create a tree shape. It actually got down to freezing temperatures a few weeks this year. Remove any individual plants that have a rotten bottom and repot the healthy specimens in a fresh batch of 'Houseplant' compost. You can trim for shape anytime. Pinch off the tips in each subsequent year until the plant reaches a height of 6 feet. The "head" of this little tree will spread wide so come away from the house at least 3 to 4 feet. How tall does a jatropha plant get to be? They are marginal in zone 9B; frosts and freezes will damage them, but they usually recover quickly. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Spicy jatropha ( J. integerrima) is cultivated as an ornamental in the tropics for its continuously blooming crimson flowers. You can let it grow naturally into an interesting multi-trunked tree, or with some pruning, it can be trained into a fabulous espalier, shrub, or single-trunked tree. The leaves of the plant grow smaller and paler, and sometimes fall, shoots stretch out when there is a lack of light. Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. Its highly tolerant of a wide range ofsoil pH levels so long as the soil is well-drained. Spider mites. Light Conditions For Bonsai Jacaranda. Feed the Jatropha plant once in early spring and again in late summer. When is the best time to prune a Jatropha? A height of 6 feet is suggested for jatropha plants. Supplement with bone meal to promote heavier bloom. When to trim Jatropha bushes in San Francisco? After waiting the required amount of time, and once the jatropha has established itself more permanently, functional and decorative pruning can begin. The wider the hole the better. Leave the green fronds alone, since they're the energy factory for the tree. Prune back the Jatropha plant in late winter. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension Service. Plant in full sun to partial shade. You can supplement feedings with bone meal and/or liquid to keep the blooms coming on strong. Just use a pole saw to remove any brown fronds. This Cut off any dead or dying branches and remove discolored leaves. Pruning jatropha begins after the plant's trunk equals more than 1 1/2 inches in diameter at ground level. How tall does a jatropha plant need to be? These mechanical deterrents are not the only strategy plants use for defense; others have evolved chemical defenses and produce urticating, noxious or toxic compounds. If you would like yours to grow in a tree shape, simply cut out all but one stem coming out of the ground to force it to have a trunk. If you would like yours to grow in a tree shape, simply cut out all but one stem coming out of the ground to force it to have a trunk. Jatropha integerrima [jat-ROE-fuh in-teh-GAIR-rih-muh] is a perennial evergreen shrub from the genus Jatropha and is often trained to grow as a small tree. Pinch off the tips in each subsequent year until. Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha_integerrima This versatile large shrub/small tree also tolerates a fair amount of shade, though blooms less as it gets less direct light. Remove lower branches on the Jatropha with pruning clippers or a saw to force a single central stem when the desired stem has reached a diameter of about 1 1/2 inches. The Jatropha plant prefers full sun (8 hours of sunlight a day), but can tolerate partial shade. GOOD SNOWBIRD PLANT? If you hire a tree service, don't let them climb with tree spikes, since these cause permanent damage to the trunk. Put the cutting into a container of damp sawdust. They typically reach 10 to 15 feet in height, and about 8 feet wide. Cut away any diseased, frail or damaged branches. Spicy Jatropha propagates from seed or cuttings. You can trim for shape anytime. Dont add this plant to your landscape if you have pets or children. It is drought-resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations. They bounce back quickly from just about any setback, and they are always in bloom. The Jatropha plant contains a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin. Jatropha integerrima is native to Cuba and the West Indies and is sometimes called peregrina, spicy Jatropha, or fire-cracker. Jatropha can be pruned at any time. Assess the tree. Jatropha produces lustrous leaves and groups of vivid red star-shaped blossoms all year. This tree is a fast grower - the dwarf variety gets only 6 to 8 feet tall. Remove branches that rub together. Jatropha is a tropical evergreen that has slender stems and multiple trunks. Keep several inches distance from the trunk where you are going to cut off the branch. To take stem cuttings, remove a small piece of stem, dip it in a rooting hormone, and then put it into a small pot with seedling starter soil.