The Jatropha integerrima, commonly known as the Katrina plant, Peregrina, or Spicy Jatropha, is a vibrant ornamental plant recognized for its resilience and continuous blooms. Native to the West Indies, particularly Cuba and Hispaniola, it earned its “Katrina plant” moniker for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing recovery. Its appealing flowers make it a popular choice for gardens in tropical and subtropical regions.
Plant Characteristics
The Jatropha integerrima typically grows as a dense, rounded evergreen shrub or a small tree, often reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread when left unpruned. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and vary in shape from oblong to obovate, sometimes featuring three lobes. They are typically dark green and shiny on the upper surface, often with a paler green or purplish tinge underneath.
Its vibrant, star-shaped flowers are usually deep red or pink, though white varieties also exist. These flowers are about 1 inch wide and are produced in showy clusters held upright above the foliage. In warm climates, the Katrina plant can bloom year-round, providing continuous color.
Growing and Care
Light Needs
The Katrina plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight, requiring at least six hours daily for optimal flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient sunlight may lead to lanky growth, lighter green leaves, and reduced flower production.
Watering
Consistent watering benefits the Katrina plant, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging and root rot. During cooler or dormant months, reduce watering frequency.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is important for the health of Jatropha integerrima. It adapts to a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and tolerates a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally ranging from 6 to 8. Incorporating organic material like humus and aggregates can improve soil structure and drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Being a tropical plant, Jatropha integerrima is hardy in USDA zones 9b through 11. It prefers temperatures between 75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C) and is sensitive to frost, which can damage or kill the plant, though it often recovers from the base. The plant also appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 70% and 90%.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, from spring through summer, the Katrina plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio like 10-10-10, applied every 4 to 6 weeks, promotes healthy growth and continuous flowering. Supplementing with bone meal or liquid bloom-boosting fertilizers can further enhance flower production.
Pruning
Pruning the Katrina plant helps maintain its desired shape, promotes bushier growth, and removes any dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth, or after a flowering period. The plant tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into a shrub, small tree, or even an espalier.
Propagation
The Katrina plant is commonly propagated using stem cuttings, often the most successful method. To propagate, select semi-hardwood cuttings about 4 to 8 inches long, ideally from a mature plant at least two years old. Remove the leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting, ensuring at least four to six nodes are bare.
Allow the cut end to dry for an hour or two to prevent rotting, then dip it in rooting hormone, which may contain an anti-fungicide. Plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium such as damp sawdust, coco coir, peat moss, or a mix of soil and sand. Maintain warmth (77-86°F or 25-30°C) and high humidity (70-90%), keeping the substrate moist but not saturated. Roots typically begin to form within 7 to 10 days.
Common Problems
While generally robust, the Katrina plant can encounter a few common issues. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and whiteflies may occasionally bother the plant. Regular inspection of foliage can help identify infestations early, allowing for prompt treatment with appropriate horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
Overwatering is a frequent mistake that can lead to root rot. Ensuring well-draining soil and allowing the soil to dry between waterings can prevent this. Fungal spots may also occur, often due to poor air circulation, which can be mitigated by proper plant spacing and pruning.
Safety Information
All parts of the Jatropha integerrima plant, especially the seeds and the milky sap, are toxic if ingested. The plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, many members of which contain irritating compounds. Exercise caution, particularly if children or pets have access to the plant, as ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. When handling the plant, especially during pruning, wear gloves, as the milky sap can irritate the skin and eyes.