Brachychiton: The Must-Have Houseplant of the Season
Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland Bottle Tree, is quickly becoming a standout favorite for modern interiors—and for good reason.
Native to Australia, this striking plant is known for its sculptural, swollen trunk, which stores water and gives it its signature bottle-like form. This natural adaptation makes Brachychiton rupestris both visually unique and surprisingly low maintenance.
Why We Love It
At Flora Grubb Gardens, we especially love Brachychiton rupestris grown as a bonsai. When thoughtfully trained, it becomes a living sculpture—perfect for minimal, design-forward spaces. Its slow growth and drought tolerance make it ideal for collectors and plant lovers who want something distinctive without high upkeep.
Light & Placement
Brachychiton thrives in bright light and prefers at least 30 mins of direct sun each day. A sunny window or well-lit indoor space is ideal. With proper light, the plant maintains a compact form and healthy trunk.
Watering & Container Tips
This plant prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common issue, so less is truly more. Only water once the soil is fully dry, then add a small, controlled amount of water—just enough to lightly moisten the soil, not saturate it. The soil should never stay wet or soggy. We’ve planted ours in containers without drainage holes, which allows careful management of moisture after watering, allowing the soil to dry out fully again before the next watering.
Soil & Environment
Use a fast-draining soil mix to mimic native conditions. Brachychiton does best in warm environments and should be protected from frost. Indoors, it adapts well to typical household conditions.
Grown by Flora Grubb Gardens
Our Brachychiton rupestris are grown from seed on our own farms in Rainbow Valley, ensuring strong, healthy plants from the very beginning. We offer this plant in a range of sizes, from young specimens to more established forms, available seasonally in our stores.
Whether styled as a bonsai or grown freely, Brachychiton rupestris is a bold, timeless addition to any plant collection.
