How to care for Eucalyptus: expert tips for thriving plants

The Eucalyptus genus is pretty special – it's got these cool silver-blue leaves and a smell you can't miss. There are loads of different types, more than 700 actually, and each one brings its own style. It's like a whole party of plants showing off the awesome variety from the Land Down Under, straight out of Australia's diverse landscapes.

Stick a eucalyptus in your indoor space, and suddenly, things feel a bit fancier. Plus, here's the magic touch – give those leaves a little rub between your fingers, and you get this refreshing smell that's all about cleanliness and the pure essence of nature. It's like a fragrant nature boost right at your fingertips!

Taking care of Eucalyptus houseplants is a satisfying job, but you need to pay attention to what they like. When you get to know them and understand their needs, it's easy to take care of them.

Eucalyptus care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Make sure your Eucalyptus gets enough light by placing it close to a sunny window, preferably facing south.
2. Keep your Eucalyptus happy by maintaining a warm environment, ideally between 18-24°C during the day. Avoid chilly temperatures below 0°C.
3. Use well-draining soil, like the kind made for succulents or cacti, to avoid water buildup and help your Eucalyptus thrive.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet. Water when the top centimeters of the soil feels dry, and adjust how often you water based on the weather.
5. Eucalyptus likes a bit more humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water close to the plant.
6. Give your Eucalyptus a trim regularly to shape it and keep it at the size you want. Pinch off the tips for a fuller look.
7. Choose a pot with holes at the bottom so water doesn't build up. Make sure the pot is the right size for your plant's roots.
8. During spring and summer, feed your Eucalyptus with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to help it grow strong.
9. Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. If you spot any, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
10. Know that your Eucalyptus might take a break in winter. Adjust how often you water and feed it during this time.

Eucalyptus care tips

Light & placement

Ensuring the right light and placement for your eucalyptus houseplants is crucial for their health and growth. Eucalyptus plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a window where they can receive plenty of natural light without being in direct sunlight, especially during the intense midday hours.

Expert tip! To ensure even growth, rotate your eucalyptus plant occasionally. This helps different parts of the plant receive adequate sunlight, preventing it from leaning towards one direction.

Watering

Eucalyptus prefers a moderately humid environment, and maintaining steady moisture levels is key. Make sure to keep the soil of your green friend consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the top centimeters of the soil. Water when it feels dry to the touch. You can also use a water meter for this.

When it’s time to water your Eucalyptus make sure that the water reaches the roots by watering it thoroughly. Keep watering until the water starts draining out from the bottom of the pot.

Fertiliser

Eucalyptus houseplants are not typically considered heavy feeders compared to some other plants. However, they do have specific nutritional needs, especially during their active growing season, which is generally in spring and summer.

During the growing season, eucalyptus plants benefit from regular fertilization (every 4-6 weeks) with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Eucalyptus plants often experience a period of dormancy in winter when growth slows. Avoid fertilizing during this time, as the plant's nutrient requirements decrease.

Expert tip! Always follow the specific guidelines provided on the fertilizer packaging, as different products may have varying concentrations and application instructions.

Temperature & humidity

Eucalyptus houseplants generally prefer a warm environment and higher humidity levels. Aim to keep the temperature between 18-24°C during the day. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 0°C.

Ideally, the humidity around your Eucalyptus plant should be in the range of 40% to 60%. However, they can adapt to lower humidity levels as well. If your home air is too dry, consider increasing humidity for your houseplants.

Soil & repotting

To make sure you provide your Eucalyptus with a nice home, make sure to choose a lightweight potting mix designed for succulents or cacti. This way, you can avoid waterlogging and root rot. You can also add some extra perlite or sand to your potting soil to improve drainage and air circulation.

When you are repotting your plant, you want to do it in spring or early summer during the plant's active growth phase for a quicker recovery. Younger plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years, ensuring fresh soil and a larger container. Older Eucalyptus plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. While repotting, you can check the roots for health, trim damaged ones, and give enough space for new growth.

Eucalyptus propagation

Propagating an Eucalyptus plant at home requires careful attention, and the most straightforward method involves using seeds. Eucalyptus seeds are typically found in the capsules that develop after the plant flowers.

Certain varieties of Eucalyptus seeds may undergo cold stratification before sowing. To achieve this, place the seeds in a plastic bag along with some moistened vermiculite or perlite, and refrigerate them for a duration of 6 to 8 weeks.

After this cold stratification period, plant the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the plant approximately once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch, maintaining a temperature range between 18-23 degrees Celcius. This process ensures the successful propagation of your eucalyptus plant from seeds.

Most common pests & diseases on Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plants are generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases. However, like any plant, they can still face some challenges. Pests like aphids and scale insects and diseases like mildew and root rot can weaken the plant and can eventually lead to the plant dying.

If you notice severe infestations or diseases, it's advisable to seek guidance from our PLNTSdoctor.

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