Castor-Oil Plant
Ricinus communisfam. Euphorbiaceae
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Pl. FFF9 — Ricinus communis
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IOverview
Overview
The Castor-Oil Plant (Ricinus communis) is a versatile and distinctive plant native to the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. This plant can grow as a tree, shrub, or subshrub, reaching heights of up to 15 feet. Known for its ornamental value and edible properties, the Castor-Oil Plant is also valued for its light requirements, thriving in moist environments with a hardiness range of 10-11. One distinctive feature is its large, compound leaves that can be deeply lobed, while another notable characteristic is the plant's striking red seed pod, which contains toxic seeds used to produce castor oil.
Quick answers
What is Castor-Oil Plant?
The Castor-Oil Plant (Ricinus communis) is a versatile and distinctive plant native to the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Castor-Oil Plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) textures. It requires full to partial sunlight, with a light requirement rating of 6/10. This plant is hardy in temperate regions but can grow up to 1.5-15 feet tall as a tree, shrub, subshrub, or herb. Propagation is best done through seeds, which can be sown directly into the ground after the last frost. Regular watering is essential for optimal growth.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-11
Habit
Tree, Shrub, Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5-15feet m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Castor-Oil Plant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Castor-Oil Plant.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining potting soil with a pH between 7-7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors once danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves. Harvest seeds in late summer after pods turn brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:FiberAnimal feedPest controloil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 26 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 4 native· 26 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)AlbaniaBulgariaPortugal
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshIndia
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)BahamasBelize
Africa12 regions
native (4)EritreaEthiopiaKenyaSomalia
introduced (8)AlgeriaAngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoEritreaEthiopiaSomalia
Broader regions
introduced:Argentina Northwest, Andaman Is., Argentina Northeast, Brazil West-Central, Arizona, Ascension, Aruba, Arkansas, Alabama, Bermuda, Bismarck Archipelago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Euphorbiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Euphorbiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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