Illawarra Flame Tree
brachychiton acerifolius
Also known as: ["Flame Tree","Kurrajong"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to eastern Australia, known for its striking red flowers that bloom in spring after leaf fall.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Brachychiton |
| Botanical Name: | Brachychiton acerifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area, can be container-grown in large pots
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for light stress signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils, avoid compacted soil, mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Tolerates a wide range, ideally 65–85°F (18–29°C); can withstand mild frosts but prefers warmer conditions.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil, avoid contact with roots, flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or cuttings; seeds are more common and reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium, plant seeds/cuttings, maintain moisture, provide warmth, transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and growth is active.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (70–80%), partial shade until established.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can help with cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 4–8 weeks; cuttings root in 6–12 weeks and establish over several months.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone, misting spray, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Keep seeds warm and moist; use bottom heat for cuttings; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, remove crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased branches, encourage airflow, maintain size if needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to allow deep penetration, ensure excess water drains away, water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage below 28°F (-2°C).
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in cold spells; move containers indoors; avoid wet soil in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in extreme heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, use mulch to retain soil moisture, mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use correct dilution, water before fertilizing, avoid overfertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer from mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest the seeds or leaves of Brachychiton acerifolius. The toxic effects are generally mild but can cause discomfort and irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the seeds or leaves of Brachychiton acerifolius. The toxic compounds can cause irritation to the digestive system, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and leaves of Brachychiton acerifolius contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract and skin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Illawarra Flame Tree lose its leaves before flowering?
A: This is a natural adaptation; the tree sheds leaves to conserve energy before blooming, ensuring resources are directed to the vibrant flowers.
Q: Is the Illawarra Flame Tree suitable for small gardens?
A: No, due to its large size and extensive root system, it is best suited for spacious landscapes.
Q: How can I propagate this tree?
A: Propagation is typically done via seeds, which should be scarified or soaked before planting to improve germination rates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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