The Red Coral Plant (Jatropha multifida) is a visually striking ornamental plant known for its unique appearance and vibrant blooms. Also called Coral Plant, Coral Bush, Physic Nut, and Guatemala Rhubarb, it is valued in tropical and subtropical gardens for its showy scarlet flowers and intricately lobed foliage, adding an exotic touch to landscapes and containers.
Identifying Red Coral Plant
Identifying the Red Coral Plant involves recognizing several distinct physical characteristics. It typically grows as a single-trunked evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 6 to 10 feet in height. Its stems are thick and succulent, yielding a clear, sticky latex if cut.
The leaves are large, orbicular, and deeply lobed, often described as palmate with 7 to 11 finely divided segments. They can measure up to 12 inches in diameter, shiny green on the upper surface with a paler underside. The plant’s most notable characteristic is its small, bright red to coral-red flowers, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters up to 25 cm long. These five-petaled flowers, often with small yellow centers, bloom for most of the year, providing continuous ornamental appeal.
Growing Conditions and Care
Cultivating a healthy Red Coral Plant requires understanding its environmental needs for vigorous growth and abundant flowering, including light, soil, water, temperature, and nutrition.
Light Requirements
The Red Coral Plant thrives in bright conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. Ample direct sunlight promotes the best bloom production. For indoor cultivation, a spot near a window receiving bright, indirect light is suitable, avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh direct rays that might scorch stems.
Soil Preferences
This plant performs well in fertile, well-drained soils with good aeration. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, rocky, or gravelly conditions, but excellent drainage is important to prevent root rot. A neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, is suitable, though it tolerates weakly alkaline conditions. For container planting, a gritty, free-draining potting mix, incorporating perlite, sand, or clay pebbles, is recommended to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
Watering Needs
Once established, the Red Coral Plant exhibits some drought tolerance, but consistent moisture during the growing season encourages flowering. Water thoroughly, allowing the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent overwatering and root loss. During cooler winter months, especially for container-grown plants, reduce watering significantly, keeping the soil almost completely dry.
Temperature and Humidity
The Red Coral Plant is a tropical and subtropical species, thriving in warm temperatures. It is sensitive to frost and cold; sustained temperatures below 8-12°C (46-54°F) can cause damage or death. Optimal temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). While it tolerates a wide range of humidity, moderate humidity between 40% and 60% is recommended for healthy growth.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the Red Coral Plant supports vigorous growth and encourages flowering. Apply a balanced, slow-release general-purpose fertilizer once or twice a year, particularly in early spring before new growth begins. For container plants, a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer applied every three to four weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer) is effective. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning the Red Coral Plant helps maintain its shape, promotes bushiness, and encourages more blooms. Since flowers develop at the end of stems, regular pruning stimulates new branching, leading to more flowers. The best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Removing dead, damaged, or leggy branches improves the plant’s appearance and overall health.
Propagating Red Coral Plant
The Red Coral Plant can be propagated using both seeds and stem cuttings.
For propagation by seeds, sow them in a sandy, well-draining soil mix during spring or summer. Seeds should be lightly covered, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A warm environment, ideally between 21-29°C (70-85°F), and good light are important for germination, which can take several weeks. Once seedlings develop a few true leaves, transplant them carefully into larger pots or their permanent location.
Stem cuttings are another effective method, typically taken from semi-hardwood stems in spring or early summer. Select healthy stem segments, about 5 inches long, ensuring each has a few leaves and at least one node. After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to dry and callus for a day or two to prevent rot. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keeping it slightly moist and in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight until roots develop. Rooting usually occurs within 3 to 6 weeks.
Toxicity and Safety Considerations
The Red Coral Plant (Jatropha multifida) contains toxic compounds, making all parts poisonous if ingested. This toxicity is attributed to proteins like curcin, similar to those found in other Jatropha species. The seeds, in particular, are sweet-tasting but can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed.
Beyond ingestion, the plant’s milky sap (latex) can cause skin irritation upon contact. Wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, to prevent skin reactions. Keep the Red Coral Plant out of reach of children and pets.