Fountain Tree, Little Kurrajong
brachychiton bidwillii
Also known as: ["Fountain Tree","Little Kurrajong"]
Overview
A small, deciduous tree native to Australia, known for its striking pink flowers that resemble a fountain.
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 bidwillii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny spot, or as a container plant in a sheltered patio
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is suitable.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and 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 a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Tolerant of a wide range, but ideal between 65–85°F (18–29°C); can withstand mild frosts but prefers warmth.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before active growth; use a balanced formula; reduce frequency in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to promote airflow and compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or chlorosis in extreme cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch; move containers indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; follow label instructions; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest the seeds or leaves of Brachychiton bidwillii. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the seeds or leaves of Brachychiton bidwillii. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and leaves of Brachychiton bidwillii contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant is not highly toxic but can lead to discomfort in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brachychiton bidwillii suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it is a small tree and can be suitable for smaller garden spaces.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce watering once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
