The Australian bottle tree is rarely found as a houseplant in this country. One reason is certainly that the tree grows very large and requires a lot of space. Caring for it as a houseplant is quite easy. How to care for an Australian bottle tree indoors.
How do I care for an Australian bottle tree as a houseplant?
The Australian bottle tree as a houseplant requires a lot of space and sunlight, should be watered abundantly in summer and fertilized weekly. In the frost-free winter quarters there is less watering and no fertilization. Avoid waterlogging and check regularly for pest infestation.
The Australian bottle tree needs a lot of space
If you choose an Australian bottle tree as a houseplant, you need a lot of space. The tree can quickly become very tall and sprawling.
In summer you can put it outside if you can offer it a very sunny place protected from the wind.
In winter, however, the bottle tree must be brought into the house because it is not hardy.
How to care for the houseplant
- Pouring
- fertilize
- repotting
The Australian bottle tree is watered abundantly in summer without causing waterlogging. Always wait until the top layer of the substrate has dried before watering.
From April to September, the Australian bottle tree receives some liquid fertilizer once a week (€6.00 on Amazon).
It will take some time before the bottle tree needs to be repotted. It can spend many years in the same bucket. If you need to repot it, the best time is spring. Choose a slightly larger pot that you fill with regular potting soil. Plastic containers are not suitable as they tip over too quickly.
Diseases and pests of the Australian bottle tree
The bottle tree is very robust. However, if there is waterlogging, the roots can rot
Pests such as spider mites and scale insects occur more frequently, especially if the bottle tree is too dry. Check it regularly for pest infestations and combat them immediately.
Australian bottle tree must be overwintered frost-free
The Australian bottle tree is not hardy and must therefore be kept frost-free over the winter. If you care for the houseplant outside in summer, bring it inside in good time.
The winter location should have temperatures around seven degrees. It must be as bright as possible. Bright basements and hallways or entrance areas are ideal if there is enough space.
In winter, the Australian bottle tree is only watered a little and no longer fertilized.
Tip
Australian bottle tree or elephant's foot - the eye-catching houseplant is known by different names. But it's always just the same type of plant.
