{"product_id":"brachychiton-rupestris","title":"Brachychiton rupestris","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrachychiton rupestris\u003c\/em\u003e, the Queensland Bottle Tree, is one of the most architecturally striking plants you can grow at this size. The swollen, bottle-shaped trunk stores water through the dry months in its native central Queensland and gives even a young seedling a sculptural, miniature-tree presence. Above the caudex, a fine canopy of narrow, glossy green leaves catches the light like a tiny umbrella.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEndemic to the dry inland of Queensland, Australia, where mature specimens reach 10 to 20 metres with trunks more than 2 metres across. Slow-growing across its whole life, which is exactly what makes it so collectable indoors: a 12cm plant will stay in scale for many years, gradually fattening its caudex as it ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to grow it indoors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, including direct morning or afternoon sun. The sunnier the spot, the more compact the canopy and the fatter the caudex.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Treat it like a succulent. Water thoroughly, then let the top half of the substrate dry out completely before watering again. Reduce in winter to roughly once a month.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-draining, gritty mix. A cactus and succulent compost with extra perlite or pumice works perfectly. Always plant into a pot with drainage holes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfortable in normal room temperatures from 15 to 28°C. Will tolerate a cool, dry winter rest above 10°C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy it earns its place\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most rewarding caudex plants for collectors who want something slow and sculptural rather than fast and leafy. Pairs beautifully with other dry-loving curiosities from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cacti-and-succulents\"\u003ecacti and succulents range\u003c\/a\u003e, or as a single statement piece on a sunny desk or shelf. Looks especially good in a low, wide terracotta or stoneware planter that lets the trunk be the hero.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied in a nursery 12cm pot, ready to slip into your favourite decorative planter. Pet owners: generally considered non-toxic, but as with all unfamiliar plants we recommend keeping out of reach of curious pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":57866757996927,"sku":"BRACRUPE12","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_649de581-d0e8-4c05-bc68-bf592d211039.jpg?v=1783089519","url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/brachychiton-rupestris","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}