Budda's Belly

"Buddha's Belly" typically refers to the Buddha Belly Plant (Jatropha podagrica), a tropical succulent with a distinctive, swollen, bottle-shaped stem (caudex) used for water storage. It is a popular houseplant growing 2-3 feet tall with orange-red flowers and large, umbrella-shaped leaves. It is poisonous and thrives in bright, well-drained, dry conditions. 
 
Key Aspects of the Buddha Belly Plant (Jatropha podagrica):
Appearance: Features a thick, gray-skinned, knobby,, and bulbous stem that resembles a belly. It develops coral-red flower clusters above the leaves.
Care: Requires bright, indirect light (can tolerate direct sun), and very well-drained soil (cactus/succulent mix).
Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, as the plant is drought-tolerant. It may go dormant and lose leaves in fall/winter.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous; it produces a milky sap that can cause skin irritation.