Get ready to be amazed by the majestic Queensland bottle tree, also known as Brachychiton rupestris! You will adore the remarkable characteristics of this native Australian tree from Queensland. It was discovered and described by the renowned Sir Thomas Mitchell and John Lindley. This beauty, also known as the Australian bottle tree and narrow-leaved bottle tree, gets its name from its incredible growth habit and narrow leaf blades.
The plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and is characterized by a large unique bottle-shaped trunk, but it takes about 5 to 10 years to get that shape. A mature Queensland bottle tree root develops a thickened caudex, which makes an unusual bonsai.
With its narrow leaves (or adult leaf blades) and bulbous trunk reaching up to 11 feet in diameter, it commands attention like a true showstopper. Rising high between 33 to 82 feet in its native habitat, it proudly showcases its deciduous nature, which means the trees shed leaves from September to December. The bottle tree in a pot grows even smaller, to about 15 feet tall. It blooms into creamy-yellow flowers with red markings between Spring to Summer.
The Brachychiton rupestrisor Queensland bottle tree has a moderate growth rate throughout the year without any distinct dormant season, and mature trees transplant easily. The best way to propagate Brachychiton rupestrisis via cuttings. But bottle trees grown with seeds will take up to 20 years to bloom. The fibrous dark grey bark of this bottle tree plant is used for making ropes and used for making fishing nets.
If that wasn't impressive enough, let me share another fascinating fact—the bottle Tree plays a vital role in preserving our natural habitats. Found predominantly in the endangered central semi-evergreen vine thickets (also known as bottletree scrub) of the Queensland Brigalow Belt, this majestic tree stands as an emergent hero among its fellow flora friends. So intriguing is this species that even farmers who clear land often choose to leave these remnants behind for their shade and fodder trees.
Watering Needs
The Queensland bottle tree requires frequent watering during its early years to establish its root system. Once the Brachychiton rupestris tree is established, it can survive on natural rainfall. However, during long periods of drought, it is important to water the bottled tree to prevent it from drying out. It is recommended to water this Queensland bottle tree deeply once a week during dry spells.
It's worth noting that overwatering the tree can lead to root rot. So, it's important to avoid watering this bottle tree too frequently or letting the upper surface of the soil become waterlogged. The best way to water these woody boat-shaped follicles of Queensland is to soak the soil around the tree slowly and deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Light Requirements
Like other sun-loving succulents, this Queensland bottle tree needs full sun for proper growth. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If this proserpine bottle tree is planted in a shaded area, it may not grow as well or produce more compact flower heads.
When grown indoors, place it in the sunniest place in your house. This succulent tree may benefit from shade in consistently hot climates. It is ideal for growing this bottle tree in a west- or south-facing window.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The bottle tree likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.6- 6.5 or slightly acidic soil. It requires fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil. Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing your Australian bottle tree, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Succulent prefers a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.
Hardiness Zone & More
The Brachychiton rupestris is hardy in USDA zones 9-12. It prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate high humidity. The tree can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F but may suffer damage if exposed to frost.
It's important to protect the tree from frost if you live in a cooler climate. A succulent tends to live for many years and grows slowly. Plant them in the spring after the weather warms up.
Give this Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brachychiton rupestris |
| Common Name | Queensland bottle tree, Australian bottle tree, narrow-leaved bottle tree |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Flower Color | Creamy, yellow |
| Genus | Brachychiton |
| Growth Habit | Caudiciform |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Mature Size | 82 ft. tall, 11 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Austrailia |
| Plant Type | Succulent, tree |
| Propagation | By stem, leaf cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Bonsai tree |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesObsessed with my new plant
Arrived packaged well as always. My plant is now thriving and putting out so much growth
United StatesExcellent
I could not believe the size & the great condition it was in. Simply excellent!
The plant arrived in excellent shape. Everything is fine.
The plants we received have made my wife very happy.
- Description
- Features
Get ready to be amazed by the majestic Queensland bottle tree, also known as Brachychiton rupestris! You will adore the remarkable characteristics of this native Australian tree from Queensland. It was discovered and described by the renowned Sir Thomas Mitchell and John Lindley. This beauty, also known as the Australian bottle tree and narrow-leaved bottle tree, gets its name from its incredible growth habit and narrow leaf blades.
The plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and is characterized by a large unique bottle-shaped trunk, but it takes about 5 to 10 years to get that shape. A mature Queensland bottle tree root develops a thickened caudex, which makes an unusual bonsai.
With its narrow leaves (or adult leaf blades) and bulbous trunk reaching up to 11 feet in diameter, it commands attention like a true showstopper. Rising high between 33 to 82 feet in its native habitat, it proudly showcases its deciduous nature, which means the trees shed leaves from September to December. The bottle tree in a pot grows even smaller, to about 15 feet tall. It blooms into creamy-yellow flowers with red markings between Spring to Summer.
The Brachychiton rupestrisor Queensland bottle tree has a moderate growth rate throughout the year without any distinct dormant season, and mature trees transplant easily. The best way to propagate Brachychiton rupestrisis via cuttings. But bottle trees grown with seeds will take up to 20 years to bloom. The fibrous dark grey bark of this bottle tree plant is used for making ropes and used for making fishing nets.
If that wasn't impressive enough, let me share another fascinating fact—the bottle Tree plays a vital role in preserving our natural habitats. Found predominantly in the endangered central semi-evergreen vine thickets (also known as bottletree scrub) of the Queensland Brigalow Belt, this majestic tree stands as an emergent hero among its fellow flora friends. So intriguing is this species that even farmers who clear land often choose to leave these remnants behind for their shade and fodder trees.
Watering Needs
The Queensland bottle tree requires frequent watering during its early years to establish its root system. Once the Brachychiton rupestris tree is established, it can survive on natural rainfall. However, during long periods of drought, it is important to water the bottled tree to prevent it from drying out. It is recommended to water this Queensland bottle tree deeply once a week during dry spells.
It's worth noting that overwatering the tree can lead to root rot. So, it's important to avoid watering this bottle tree too frequently or letting the upper surface of the soil become waterlogged. The best way to water these woody boat-shaped follicles of Queensland is to soak the soil around the tree slowly and deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Light Requirements
Like other sun-loving succulents, this Queensland bottle tree needs full sun for proper growth. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If this proserpine bottle tree is planted in a shaded area, it may not grow as well or produce more compact flower heads.
When grown indoors, place it in the sunniest place in your house. This succulent tree may benefit from shade in consistently hot climates. It is ideal for growing this bottle tree in a west- or south-facing window.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The bottle tree likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.6- 6.5 or slightly acidic soil. It requires fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil. Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing your Australian bottle tree, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Succulent prefers a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.
Hardiness Zone & More
The Brachychiton rupestris is hardy in USDA zones 9-12. It prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate high humidity. The tree can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F but may suffer damage if exposed to frost.
It's important to protect the tree from frost if you live in a cooler climate. A succulent tends to live for many years and grows slowly. Plant them in the spring after the weather warms up.
Give this Brachychiton rupestris Bottle Tree a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brachychiton rupestris |
| Common Name | Queensland bottle tree, Australian bottle tree, narrow-leaved bottle tree |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Flower Color | Creamy, yellow |
| Genus | Brachychiton |
| Growth Habit | Caudiciform |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Mature Size | 82 ft. tall, 11 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Austrailia |
| Plant Type | Succulent, tree |
| Propagation | By stem, leaf cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Bonsai tree |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesObsessed with my new plant
Arrived packaged well as always. My plant is now thriving and putting out so much growth
United StatesExcellent
I could not believe the size & the great condition it was in. Simply excellent!
The plant arrived in excellent shape. Everything is fine.
The plants we received have made my wife very happy.