Eucalyptus tree is also known as silver dollar tree and argyle apple and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Eucalyptus can be grown both in the garden and at home. Eucalyptus trees are popular with gardeners for their fragrance, silvery to blue-green leaves, and reddish-brown bark on mature plants with small white flowers. In natural environments it can usually grow up to 60 feet in height, but in indoor environments it can grow up to 2-6 feet in height. Eucalyptus is very easy to care for and can be grown in containers with little maintenance. Choose a safe location when growing eucalyptus in your home as its bark and leaves are poisonous to humans and pets. It can be easily grown at home with the help of containers with drainage holes, improved potting mix and proper maintenance.

Eucalyptus Plants Growing

Eucalyptus plants need lots of sunlight. If you have enough sunlight in your home, you can grow eucalyptus at home in a container. Natural Eucalyptus grows too tall to grow indoors, but indoor Eucalyptus trees are usually much shorter (2-6 feet). Low temperature disrupts the normal growth of Eucalyptus and the plants cannot absorb fertilizers so they need high to moderate temperature. Organic potting mix and fertile soil are ideal for eucalyptus plants. It can also be easily grown indoors with ideal humidity, regular watering and low maintenance. 

Sunlight & Location

Eucalyptus plants like lots of bright sunlight. So 5-6 hours of bright sunlight per day is ideal for eucalyptus plants. You can choose a bright spot in your home, such as a northwest or south-facing balcony or window, where direct sunlight will come in and the plants can receive it. Without the necessary sunlight, the leaves of the plant will fall off and within a few days the plant will be stunted due to stunted growth. The green color of the plant’s leaves and the reddish-brown color of the bark become more vivid in providing the necessary sunlight.

Soil & Fertilizer

Eucalyptus prefers well-drained soil and an excellent potting mix. The addition of organic materials such as vermiculite, perlite, peat and coco coir in the potting mix improves the drainage system. A mildly acidic soil (5.5-6.5 ph) is best for eucalyptus plants. Since the plant collects the necessary nutrients from the soil, after a few days the plants have to remove the soil and add new soil, since the new soil is more fertile, the plant feels more comfortable.

Eucalyptus plants in container growth require a regular supply of fertilizer. In this case, you can use fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus once to twice a month during the growing season. Make sure your soil is moist before fertilizing, if fertilizing in dry soil it will reach the top of the plant. You can also apply Jalsar by making a mixture of sir with clean water.

Watering

Growing eucalyptus in containers requires regular watering. Eucalyptus plants do not like to stay healthy for long. You can apply heavy water once or twice per week by testing the soil with your fingers. But overwatering plants can cause root rot and leaf drop. Similarly, applying too much company will cause yellowing of ghost father leaves and the loss of the plant’s natural luster. In case of water application, chlorine or chemical mixed water solution must not be provided, in this case clean sterile water at room temperature should be used.

Temperature & Humidity

The ideal indoor growing temperature for eucalyptus plants is 65-75°F, and the ideal nighttime temperature for plants is 45-55°. Below 40°F the plants do not survive long and slowly wilt. If your home doesn’t have an adequate temperature system, the plant needs to be placed outside in a bright light area for some time during the day to provide the ideal temperature. Ideal temperature is normal growth of plants and normal brightness of leaves and bark.

Moderate to high humidity is best for eucalyptus plants. Plants will continue to grow properly if the humidity in your home is 50%-60%. If your home doesn’t have an adequate system, you can increase the humidity by using a humidifier. You can also regularly spray water on the leaves or place a tray of water and stones around it and place the eucalyptus plant on top of the tray, this will allow the water to evaporate from the tray to increase the humidity around the plant.

Types Of Eucalyptus

There are about 700 species of Eucalyptus plants, which vary in size, shape, nutrition, maintenance. Eucalyptus plants can be grown outdoors and indoors. Plants typically grow up to 60 feet tall when grown outdoors, and there are separate species of eucalyptus that grow 2-8 feet tall indoors. Below are some popular ideal Eucalyptus species for growing indoors:

Silver Dollar Plant

Silver dollar is scientifically known as Eucalyptus cinerea which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This plant has coin-shaped, blue-green leaves and can grow up to 40 feet in its natural habitat. But plants of this species can be grown at home by controlling the shape of the shoots. Commonly grown indoors, this species can grow up to 2-8 feet tall. It can be easily grown indoors with a well-draining potting mix, moderate water, fertilizer and little maintenance.

Cider Gum Plant

The cider gum plant scientifically known as Eucalyptus gunnii belongs to the Myrataceae family. The leaves of this species are grayish-white in color and the bark is cream in color. These plants are very fast growing, growing up to 80 feet in a natural environment. But indoor plants can be grown under controlled conditions, where plants can grow up to 4-12 feet tall. These species of plants can be grown indoors with proper potting mix with good drainage, fertilizer, moderate watering and required maintenance. Since the growth of the plants is very fast, you can prune them after a few days. The branches of the plant will grow under controlled conditions at home.

White leaved Mallee

white-leaved mallee scientifically known as Eucalyptus albida belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The leaves of this species are bluish-gray and white in color.White-leaved mallee can grow 6 to 10 feet in height. This plant can be grown indoors with good drainage soil, potting mix, bright sunlight, moderate watering and little care. If you want, you can place the plant next to a bright balcony or a bright window, it will help to give your indoor aesthetic look.

Silver Drop

Eucalyptus of the silver drop is popular with gardeners for its fragrant silver-green round leaves and small shape. The silver drop species is the smallest of the Eucalyptus plants, growing two to three feet in height and width. It can be grown indoors with bright sunlight, high humidity and temperature, ideal potting mix with good drainage, moderate watering, fertilizer and little care. You can place the plant next to a bright window or balcony, the plant will receive the necessary sunlight and the leaves will be brighter and fresher.

Eucalyptus Pruning

If you want to grow eucalyptus at home, it should be pruned regularly. Because Eucalyptus grows too fast it can become unsuitable for indoor gardening. Eucalyptus trees are pruned to keep them attractive, to prevent overgrowth, and to remove broken or deformed branches and twigs. Summer is the best time to prune the tree, spring pruning can kill the entire tree. Eucalyptus pruning can be done by cutting off branches and damaged leaves or twigs with a sharp scissor or pruner. By doing this regularly Eucalyptus makes the tree feel more comfortable to grow and new branches start from the pruning site which restores the cooperation of the tree.

Propagating Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees can be propagated in two ways: through stem cuttings and seeds. Although propagation through cuttings is not always successful, it is one of the easiest methods to obtain a new plant. The ideal time to take cuttings is when the tree is between 2 to 12 years old, as rooting becomes more difficult with mature branches. On the other hand, while propagation through seeds takes more time, it is the most effective method. Below is a description of the propagation methods for eucalyptus trees using both seeds and cuttings:

Propagating For Stem Cutting 

The ideal time for propagating eucalyptus through stem cuttings is from early to mid-summer when the branches are bright and green. The method for propagating eucalyptus using stem cuttings is described below:

1. Choose a healthy branch from a mature eucalyptus tree. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from semi-hardwood (neither too young nor too old).

2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

3. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil or a mix of sand and perlite. Water the soil lightly.

4. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. Place the pot in a warm, bright area with indirect sunlight.

5. Keep the soil moist. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Propagating From Seeds

You can propagate eucalyptus plants using seeds at the beginning of spring or summer. This period marks the start of the plant’s growing season, which is ideal for seed germination and the development of young seedlings. The method for propagating eucalyptus using seeds is described below:

1. Harvest seeds from mature eucalyptus trees. These seeds are small and usually found in woody capsules.

2. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix. Fill pots or trays with the mix and lightly moisten it.

3. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them down. Do not cover them with soil, as eucalyptus seeds need light to germinate.

4. Place the pots in a warm, sunny location with indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks.

5. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.

Potting & Repotting For Eucalyptus

The potting and repotting process for eucalyptus trees should definitely be done during the growing season, ideally in spring, as planting in winter can be harmful to the tree. Proper potting allows you to successfully grow a beautiful eucalyptus tree at home. During repotting, the tree receives fresh soil and a nutrient-rich potting mix, significantly enhancing its growth and vigor. Additionally, the plant’s roots can expand more comfortably in a larger container, benefiting the overall health of the tree.

Potting Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is an excellent plant that can be grown outdoors and in containers with controlled size. Choose a large container according to the size of the plant to grow eucalyptus in your home. Since Eucalyptus plants do not like to be overwatered, a pot with a good drainage hole should be selected and the pot should contain a mixture of ideal soil and the right potting mix such as perlite, vermiculite, coco coir and peat moss. After adding the correct potting mix to the container, place the Eucalyptus plant in the container and thoroughly, add water and fertilizer to the soil and tamp the soil well at the base of the plant by hand. Since Eucalyptus likes a lot of sunlight, you can place the plant on a bright balcony or next to a window.

Repotting Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus grows very quickly, with its roots quickly filling a small container. Within 1-1.5 years of planting eucalyptus seedlings, your plants will grow roots and try to climb out of the container. When you see that your plants have grown in size and require a larger container, choose a container with better drainage holes that is larger than the current plant size. Add ideal soil and suitable potting mix to the container. Now transfer the Eucalyptus plant from the old container along with the saplings to the new container. After placing the Eucalyptus in its new container, compact it well by hand using a good amount of soil, potting mix, a little water and fertilizer. Since Eucalyptus likes bright sunlight and high temperatures, keep the plant in a bright spot. 

Pests Problem

Eucalyptus plants are not as susceptible to pests as other houseplants. But in California, eucalyptus trees are attacked by the longhorned borer beetle. Beetles burrow into the bark of eucalyptus trees. This can cause symptoms of sap oozing, leaf discoloration and bark pitting. If effective action is not taken against it very quickly, the entire plant may be affected and the plant may die. Generally no insecticides work against borer so if your plant is infested you should cut off the affected part with a sharp scissor or pruner as soon as possible.

Common Problems With Eucalyptus

Although Eucalyptus plants are not affected by insect pests, they face various problems while growing. Eucalyptus can experience problems such as yellowing or browning of leaves, curling or drying of leaves, leaf drop and root rot. Plant growth is usually due to overwatering, lack of sunlight, and low temperatures. Common Eucalyptus problems are discussed below:

Yellow & Brown Leaves

Eucalyptus leaves turning brown or yellow is a common problem. These problems can usually be caused by low humidity and insufficient sunlight. To solve the problem, ensure proper humidity for your plants and try to keep the plants in bright sunlight. Also, excessive application of fertilizers can cause the leaves of the plant to turn brown or yellow.   So liquid fertilizer can be applied once to twice a month depending on the quantity. Yellow and brown leaves should be cut off regularly with a sharp scissor. 

Curling & Crispy Leaves

If your plants don’t get the water they need, the leaves can shrivel and dry out. To solve the problem, check the soil of the plant and arrange watering. Apply heavy water when your plant’s soil is completely dry, so that the water reaches the roots. Plants require more water in summer and can reduce water application in winter. Also, if your plants are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the leaves will shrivel and dry out. So you need to provide bright indirect light instead of placing your plant under direct sunlight.

Root Rot

Eucalyptus plants prefer moderate watering. Overwatering can cause rotting of plant roots and root rot. To solve this problem the soil must have a good drainage system.   When choosing a container, choose a container with drainage holes and a mixture of organic matter such as vermiculite, perlite, peat and coco coir with fertile soil is ideal for eucalyptus plants. Check the soil and apply water once every 10 to 15 days to save the plant from root rot and Jalsahar can be applied.

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