Position the plant where it'll receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. A south-facing window is an ideal location. You can also consider using a grow light during winter months.

Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris)

Also known as: Queensland-flaschenbaum

A native species to Queensland, Australia, the queensland bottle tree is so named due to its bulging trunk that increases in girth as it leaves the ground and then decreases before the first branches. This creates the shape of a bottle and was noted by explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1848. The native aboriginal people have historically used queensland bottle tree as a food source by consuming the roots of young trees.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Queensland bottle tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 25 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink Cream

Images of Queensland bottle tree

Quickly Identify Queensland bottle tree

Unique bottle-shaped trunk, reaching 20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters) tall.

Cream and red bell-shaped flowers lacking petals, in leaf axils.

Woody boat-shaped fruit, 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, with 4-8 seeds.

Star-like compound young leaves evolving to broader, simpler form.

Impressively wide trunk, 6.5-11.5 feet (2-3.5 meters) in diameter, with rugged, furrowed bark.

Scientific Classification of Queensland bottle tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Malvales

Family

Mallow

Genus

Kurrajong

Species

Queensland bottle tree

Planting and Growing of Queensland bottle tree

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

45-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Queensland bottle tree?

The Brachychiton rupestris, or the Queensland Bottle Tree, doesn't need a significant amount of water. A good rule of thumb when watering is to soak the soil, around 1000ml per watering, until it starts draining from the bottom. Make sure you allow the soil to dry out before the next watering.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Queensland bottle tree? ›

What should I do if my Queensland bottle tree is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Queensland bottle tree? ›

How to save an overwatered Queensland bottle tree? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Queensland bottle tree?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours per day

The ideal light range for Brachychiton rupestris is full to partial sun, 6-8 hours a day. This amount of light promotes on optimal growth, lush leaf production, and overall plant health.

What is the ideal light condition for Brachychiton rupestris? ›

How to achieve this? ›

What are the observable benefits? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Queensland bottle tree?

Ideal Temperature: 45 ~ 85℉

The ideal temperature range for Brachychiton Rupestris is between 45°F to 85°F. At these temperatures, the plant can perform photosynthesis optimally and grow healthily. Exposing the plant to temperatures outside this range may stunt its growth and cause damage to its foliage.

What Soil is Best for Queensland bottle tree?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.8

The Brachychiton rupestris, also known as the Queensland bottle tree, prefers loamy soil. This type of soil has a great balance of silt, sand, and clay, which makes it nutrient-rich and well-draining, ideal for the tree's growth. This tree also fares well in clay soil, largely due to its ability to retain water, which is beneficial for the tree during dry seasons. However, ensure proper drainage to prevent water-logging. Lastly, the Queensland bottle tree can also thrive in calcareous soil, which is alkaline in nature. This soil type has high levels of calcium carbonate, which directly contributes to nutritional sustenance for the tree. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Queensland bottle tree?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For young Brachychiton rupestris, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (NPK 14-14-14) at a rate of 50-100g per plant twice a year. Older specimens are hardier and require less feeding, a single, annual application of 50-100g slow-release fertilizer per meter of trunk height is sufficient. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Queensland bottle tree?

Pruning Time: Summer, Autumn

Start pruning at the top of the Brachychiton rupestris and work your way down. Remove dead branches and those that cross each other. Be sure to make your cuts just outside the branch collar. Leave branch stubs as it can lead to decay. For larger branches, use the 3-cut approach: a small notch on the side of the branch that faces away from the branch to be retained, a second cut through the branch right at the notch, and the final cut removing the stub. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Queensland bottle tree plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late Summer,Early Autumn

Collect the seeds from mature Brachychiton rupestris, which usually ripen in Autumn, and store them in a dry and cool place.

Before planting, soak the seeds in hot water for about an hour. This will help to increase the germination rate.

Then plant the seeds in a potting mix and lightly cover them with soil. They should be placed in a warm and bright location.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Queensland bottle tree plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two to three years

Repotting of Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as Queensland bottle tree, is best done in spring or autumn when the plant is starting new growth cycles. Signs that repotting is needed can include the plant appearing root-bound, with roots growing out of the drainage holes, or leaves looking droopy and dull despite adequate watering.

Select a pot that is a couple of inches larger in diameter than the current one. The new pot should have sufficient drainage holes to allow for proper water management. The slightly larger pot will encourage growth, and the drainage will prevent potential root rot.

Fill the pot with a mixture of loam, sand, and perlite, providing a balance between retention of moisture and drainage. This will provide the roots with the optimal environment for growth, preventing water-logging, and providing the plant with the nutrients it needs to flourish.