Ricinus
About Ricinus
Castor Bean is a cultivated, annual herbaceous ornamental with low drought tolerance. If broken seeds are ingested, it is likely to cause death in humans, livestock, and pets.
Taxonomy
Ricinus communis
Ricinus
Euphorbiaceae
Malpighiales
Also known as
Castor Bean, Castor Bean, Castor oil plant and Ricininae
How to care for Ricinus
Water
How often to water your Ricinus
every 9
Ricinus 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.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Castor Bean in your home
a window
Ricinus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ricinus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ricinus in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Ricinus
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 Ricinus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
Ricinus is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Ricinus 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
Ricinus 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
Ricinus is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Ricinus is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Ricinus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Ricinus
Ricinus
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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