Decary's Bottletree Plant Care
Operculicarya decaryi H.Perrier
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Operculicarya decaryi, known as elephant tree or jabily, is a thick stemmed succulent plant species in the family Anacardiaceae, named after the botanical collector Raymond Decary. It is found in Madagascar and is also grown as a bonsai tree.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Decary's Bottletree?
Water Decary's Bottletree every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Decary's Bottletree Native To?
What Is the Decary's Bottletree?
Decary's Bottletree (Operculicarya decaryi) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Operculicarya genus. Decary's Bottletree is native to Madagascar. Decary's Bottletree is also known as Decary's Elephant Tree.
Decary's Bottletree displays a slow-growing succulent tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Decary's Bottletree produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Decary's Bottletree?
Operculicarya decaryi requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Decary's Bottletree Need?
Decary's Bottletree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Decary's Bottletree Prefer?
Operculicarya decaryi grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Decary's Bottletree prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Decary's Bottletree?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Decary's Bottletree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Decary's Bottletree?
Feed Decary's Bottletree every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Decary's Bottletree?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Decary's Bottletree?
Decary's Bottletree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fat-stemmed operculicarya plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Decary's Bottletree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Decary's Bottletree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Decary's Bottletree?
Decary's Bottletree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Decary's Bottletree Need?
Decary's Bottletree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Decary's Bottletree is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Decary's Bottletree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Decary's Bottletree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Operculicarya genus — compare its care with other Operculicarya species on PlantoScan.
Operculicarya is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family — browse all Anacardiaceae genera and species.
Decary's Bottletree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Operculicarya decaryi H.Perrier, family Anacardiaceae (first published in Mém. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 18: 249 (1944)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Decary's Bottletree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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