The Bombay Plant (Jatropha integerrima), also known as Peregrina, Spicy Jatropha, or Firecracker Plant, is a popular ornamental flowering shrub or small tree. Originating from tropical regions like Cuba and the West Indies, it is a favored choice for warm climate landscapes.
Identifying the Bombay Plant
The Bombay Plant typically grows as a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, though it can be pruned into a single-trunked small tree, reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread. Its foliage consists of glossy, dark green leaves that are quite variable in shape, ranging from entire and elliptic to fiddle-shaped or three-lobed, often growing up to 7 inches long. Young leaves may exhibit a bronze color, with mature leaves appearing paler green underneath.
The plant features abundant, star-shaped flowers, typically bright scarlet, vermilion, or coral-red, sometimes pink. These five-petaled blooms, about 1 to 1.2 inches across, have prominent yellow stamens and emerge in clusters on terminal cymes. Blooming occurs throughout much of the year in suitable conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions
The Bombay Plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight, requiring at least six hours of daily sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, pale leaves, and reduced flower production. Being a tropical species, it prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 75°F and 90°F (24°C-32°C), and performs best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It is sensitive to cold, with temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causing leaf drop and dormancy, and frost potentially damaging the plant. Moderate to high humidity levels are also beneficial for its health.
Well-draining soil is important for the Bombay Plant, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to neutral, and can grow in various soil types including sand, loam, or clay, provided they drain effectively. While it can be planted in-ground in frost-free regions, it makes an excellent container plant in cooler climates, allowing for indoor protection during winter.
Caring for Your Bombay Plant
Consistent watering is important for the Bombay Plant, especially during its active growing season. Allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Container plants may require more frequent watering than those in the ground due to faster drying. During the plant’s dormant period in winter, reduce watering significantly, providing only minimal moisture or misting to prevent desiccation.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation, every 4 to 6 weeks. For young plants, a 10-30-10 formula can promote strong root development.
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the plant’s shape, controlling its size, and encouraging more blooms. The best time to prune is after a flowering period, removing any dead or damaged branches and trimming overgrown areas.
The Bombay Plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but occasional issues with spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and leaf miners can occur. Regular inspection helps in early detection and management of any potential problems.