Ricinus communis, the Castor bean plant. Photos taken early morning...
And mid-afternoon.
This vigorous shrub requires full sun, lots of water, and lots of fertilizer. In summer it should be placed outdoors, where it may grow as much as 10 feet in a season. Watch out for the seed pods in fall, as they are extremely poisonous. According to Wikipedia, it takes 5 castor oil seeds to kill a sheep, but 80 to kill a duck. Who figures these things out? Mad scientists who are bored on sabbatical?
This isn't a particularly common houseplant, and it certainly can achieve an ugly, leggy habit indoors without proper care. Still, I couldn't resist that crazy Quinacridone-violet color. It's as lovely as a painting, and I can't wait for it to explode with growth this spring.
I've thought about trying to grow these indoors, but didn't figure it was possible. Now that I know it's possible . . . I'm still hesitant. Are they prone to mites, like other really poisonous plants? (Adenium, Datura, Brugmansia, etc.)
ReplyDeleteI have no idea! Good question. I'm hoping that spending the summer outdoors soaked in sun will make my Ricinus a little more robust and resistant... I'll keep an eye out for mites.
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