Castor Oil Plant

[smudge]

Does anyone know anything about 'Castor Oil' plants please? I've just aquired one & only 'think' it's an outdoor plant, but not sure what conditions it's supposed to be grown under. Thanks in anticipation...........

[Janetex]

In secret I'd suggest. Are you sure they're not illegal. What's that on your head?

[sft42]

Off the top of my head I think the latin name is Fatsia Japonica....they can be grown outside and are fully hardy but will grow to be very substantial plants....I used to have one in the walled gardens where I worked and it was about 12ft high by 20 ft round.......can also be grown indoors as well but will grow rapidly so you may want to let it become pot bound once it reaches your desired size.

[woofgang]

is it fastia (false caster oil) or ricinus (true castor oil and very poisonous)?

[smudge]

Thanx sft42, very informative. Didn't understand your reply Janetex, was it meant for someone else? Also woofgang, I hope it isn't poisonous as we have little Grandchildren often visiting?

[greenfingers]

The Castor Plant is Ricinus Communis of which various hybrids are available, you can buy the seeds from most seed catalogues . The seeds contain the poision Ricin (remember Georgi Markoff stabbed on Westminster Bridge with an umbrella tip dipped in the poision) Plants are used in tropical displays grown in Britain as annuals.

[smudge]

Thanx greenfingers! I think I may pass this plant on to someone without little children around! My hubby was right then, as when I first aquired it, he also mentioned something about 'poision' but I thought he was joking!

[Janetex]

Smudge, I do apologise if my answer seemed cryptic, but the bean of the plant is a great favourite with the terrorist brigade in the UK. Good idea to give it away and possibly grow some olive branches.

[Ember]

I had a healthy one for absolutely ages and then I repotted it and it died, I am sure I read that they thrive best being pot bound which seems a little strange!