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full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours), at least 6 hours daily, is required for good growth and flowering. Insufficient sun causes leggy growth, pale foliage, and minimal blooming. Indoors, a south-facing window is the best option.Light
drought tolerant (can go 2-3 weeks without water once established. When in doubt, wait another few days) once established. Water when the soil is almost completely dry -- overwatering and root rot are the primary causes of decline. Water more frequently during the growing season and minimally during dormancy in winter. In-ground plants in frost-free climates need little supplemental water once established.Water
Tolerates a range of humidity levels typical of tropical and subtropical climates. Average indoor humidity is adequate.Humidity
Prefers 65-85°F (18-29°C). Cannot tolerate frost; damaged at temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 10-11. Treat as a container plant in cooler climates and bring indoors for winter.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Jatropha integerrima plant

Peregrian

Jatropha integerrima

Moderate

Peregrina is a tropical shrub or small tree that produces vivid crimson flower clusters nearly year-round in warm climates, attracting a constant stream of butterflies, hummingbirds, and monarch butterflies to the garden. You need full sun and frost-free conditions to get its best from it, and you should treat every part of the plant -- including the milky sap -- as toxic, because it genuinely is, especially the seeds.

Jatropha integerrima plant
Oeropium, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jatropha integerrima plant
Oeropium, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Peregrian

Light

full sun (6 or more

Water

drought tolerant (can go 2-3

Humidity

Tolerates a range of humidity

Temperature

65-85°F

Soil

Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

Propagation

Stem cuttings root readily in summer.

Common Problems

Whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The name 'Peregrina' means 'wanderer' in Spanish and Latin, a fitting name for a plant originally from the Caribbean that has naturalized across tropical regions worldwide. The genus name Jatropha comes from the Greek words for 'physician' and 'nutrition' -- a nod to its long history in traditional medicine despite its real toxicity.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to humans and animals. All parts contain phorbol esters and lectins; seeds are particularly dangerous and ingesting as few as three can be fatal to humans. The milky latex sap irritates skin and mucous membranes. Not suitable for homes with small children or pets. Call Poison Control (800-222-1222) if ingested.

Sources

  1. Jatropha -- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Jatropha -- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Jatropha integerrima -- Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  4. Growing Jatropha Integerrima: Caring For The Jatropha Tree -- Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Growing Jatropha Integerrima: Caring For The Jatropha Tree -- Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Jatropha integerrima -- Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Jatropha integerrima -- Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Jatropha integerrima -- Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
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