Kurrajong Plant Care

Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Brachychiton genus. Kurrajong is also known as Bottle Tree, Orange Kurrajong.

Kurrajong displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Kurrajong produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kurrajong every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kurrajong thrives in full sun.

Brachychiton populneus tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Kurrajong prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kurrajong to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kurrajong every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kurrajong is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kurrajong can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Kurrajong while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Kurrajong is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kurrajong can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to illawarra flame tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Kurrajong is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Kurrajong grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. In cooler regions, grow Kurrajong as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.