Plant Care Bellyache Bush

Bellyache Bush

About Bellyache Bush

Bellyache Bush is a relatively rare houseplant 🌿 that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Bellyache Bush likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Taxonomy

Jatropha gossypiifolia
Jatropha
Euphorbiaceae
Malpighiales

Also known as

Black physicnut and Cotton-leaf physicnut

How to care for Bellyache Bush

💦 Water

How often to water your Bellyache Bush

Water needs for Bellyache Bush
0.5 cups
every 9

Bellyache Bush needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Bellyache Bush

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Bellyache Bush in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Bellyache Bush: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Bellyache Bush love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Bellyache Bush does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Bellyache Bush in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Bellyache Bush

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Bellyache Bush: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Bellyache Bush after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Bellyache Bush prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Bellyache Bush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


🪴 Soil

Bellyache Bush does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!


💩 Fertilizer

Bellyache Bush grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Bellyache Bush

Bellyache Bush

Bellyache Bush


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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