Coral plant (Jatropha multifida)
Care, watering, light and tips for Coral plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Coral plant
Jatropha multifida, also known as Coral Plant or Physic Nut, is an ornamental shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family, valued for its deeply lobed, bright green, tropical-looking leaves and striking coral-red flowers clustered in cymes. It's perfect for tropical or subtropical gardens, as a standalone specimen, or to add an exotic touch to patios and terraces. Its fruits, though attractive, are toxic if ingested.
Native range
Mexico and the Caribbean
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and reduced in winter, as it is sensitive to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and leaf drop.
How to save a dying Coral plant
- Warning signs
- Yellow or dropping leaves, soft or wrinkled stems, no blooms.
- First aid
- Remove dead leaves. Check substrate moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causes root rot. Intense cold also severely damages it.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. Check roots and adjust watering and location.