Some types of eucalyptus can be grown at home, while others can only be grown outdoors in warm weather. Most eucalypts should be grown in an area that does not experience temperatures below freezing. This beautiful plant has fragrant leaves, and can be used to make potpourri and scented flower arrangements. When it comes to growing eucalyptus, know that it likes cool air in winter and moderate warmth in summer, but cannot survive when temperatures reach freezing.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Growing Eucalyptus Outdoors
Step 1. Find a type of eucalyptus that suits your climate
For example, you can open a plant catalog or use other references.
- Choose a eucalyptus species that suits your local climate. While some eucalyptus species are more cold-tolerant, they will only grow if the temperature in your environment is above freezing.
- Choose a eucalyptus species that will suit your garden landscape as an adult. The size of the eucalyptus as an adult can vary, ranging from 6-18 meters. Some types of eucalyptus have small stems, while others are known for their large stems.
Step 2. Select a small eucalyptus tree for grafting
Trees with branched roots are generally difficult to graft.
Step 3. Choose a location with sufficient sun exposure and appropriate humidity
Step 4. Plant your eucalyptus
- Dig a hole as deep as the roots, 7, 6 - 10, 2 cm wide above the root width.
- Remove the pot or container from the roots.
- Place the roots in the center of the hole, then cover the hole again with the soil you dug.
- Water the plants you just planted.
- If necessary, add more soil to cover the roots.
Step 5. Water the eucalyptus periodically during the season after planting
Step 6. After the first season has passed, do not water the eucalypts, unless your area is experiencing a severe drought
Step 7. Generally, you don't need to fertilize eucalyptus
Method 2 of 2: Growing Eucalyptus Indoors
Step 1. Select the type of eucalyptus in the room
Step 2. Use a potting mix, instead of soil from your garden, to grow plants indoors
Step 3. Place the eucalyptus in a bright place, such as near a window or sunroom
Step 4. If the soil in the pot is dry, water your eucalyptus
- Use room temperature water to water the eucalyptus.
- Water the eucalyptus until the water drips from the bottom of the pot.
- After watering, discard the rest of the water.
Step 5. Do not spray eucalyptus or place it in damp areas
Step 6. Maintain the temperature of the room where you store the eucalyptus
If grown indoors, eucalyptus likes temperatures between 10-24 degrees Celsius.
Step 7. Replace the eucalyptus pot every spring
Choose a slightly larger pot each time you change pots.
Step 8. After changing the pot, fertilize the eucalyptus with an indoor plant fertilizer
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Step 9. If desired, trim the branches with special scissors to keep the eucalyptus beautiful in shape
Tips
- Some types of eucalyptus (E. nipfolia, E. polyanthemos, E. gunnii) can be grown in areas with temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius and below. However, every fall, the plant will die and grow back from its roots every summer.
- Young eucalyptus leaves may have a different shape than older eucalyptus leaves.
- Not many pests and diseases attack eucalyptus plants.
- Eucalyptus is also known as the gum tree.
- Eucalyptus will be difficult to grow if the roots are "stuck" in a pot that is too small.
- Good home eucalyptus species include E. gunnii and E. citriodora.
