Eucalyptus is a genus of decorative plants with aromatic leaves that are attractive. Despite the fact that eucalyptus trees are massive, they may be grown in pots and make lovely indoor houseplants. Drying eucalyptus leaves into dried eucalyptus bunches to embellish your home decor is an excellent way to conserve them.
You’ll learn how to cultivate potted eucalyptus plants in both indoors and outdoors in this article. Eucalyptus trees and shrubs may be planted in a sunny area depending on your zone. You’ll discover some terrific ways to utilize eucalyptus leaves at home at the conclusion of the article.
About Eucalyptus Plants
Eucalyptus plants belong to the genus Eucalyptus and the Myrtaceae family of evergreen trees and shrubs. Eucalyptus trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and several of them are known as gum trees. The crushed eucalyptus leaves have a distinctive citrusy smell, which is used to identify eucalyptus trees.
Eucalyptus species have varied leaf shapes and bark types. Essential oils are found in large concentrations in eucalyptus leaves. Crushed eucalyptus leaves and eucalyptus oil are common in aromatherapy because of their powerful spicy scents and cooling effect.
The rounded, coin-like form and blueish-gray color of eucalyptus leaves make them popular for interior design. The leaves of young eucalyptus trees are usually oval in shape. The aromatic leaves of eucalyptus trees grow into lanceolate form as they develop. When dried, eucalyptus leaves from young plants become crunchy.
Can Eucalyptus Grow Indoors?
If given enough sunlight, eucalyptus trees thrive indoors. Potted eucalyptus plants, whether grown as perennials or annuals, are ideal for containers. Nonetheless, it’s important to keep in mind that eucalyptus trees are fast-growing trees with some species capable of growing at a pace of up to 8 feet (2 meters) per year.
The indoor eucalyptus tree may outgrow the space after a year or two. The leafy branches may then be removed to dry the leaves. You may also start a new indoor eucalyptus tree from a cutting or seedling.
How to Grow Eucalyptus Plants
Eucalyptus trees and bushes flourish outdoors and indoors, both in huge pots or tubs. You may cultivate eucalyptus bushes and trees in the ground or pots outdoors if you reside in USDA zones 8 through 11. Eucalyptus plants prefer temperatures of 65°F to 71°F (18°C to 22°C).
Choose a sunny area and you’ll be able to grow outdoor eucalyptus plants. Potted eucalyptus plants can be grown indoors in colder climates. In the summer, take the pots outside. Next, to safeguard the plant against freezing, bring them inside in the fall.
How to Grow Eucalyptus Plants Outdoors
Select a suitable pot and sunny spot in your backyard to cultivate eucalyptus trees outside. The way eucalyptus trees root systems develop is a vital growth aspect to consider. Whether or not you should cultivate eucalyptus trees in the ground or in pots is influenced by this factor.
How to grow eucalyptus plants in the ground
It’s preferable to avoid planting a eucalyptus tree in a pot before planting it in the ground. Pick a 3-foot (1-meter) tall little juvenile plant. Place the eucalyptus tree or shrub in well-draining soil in a sunny spot, with protection from the wind. Eucalyptus trees grown this way develop deep root development and a robust, sturdy shrub or tree.
Growing eucalyptus plants outside in pots
For gardens, patios, decks, or paved yards, eucalyptus is an excellent container plant. Select a huge circular vessel to allow for the eucalyptus roots to develop when growing potted eucalyptus. A light, richly draining potting soil with two parts potting compost and one part perlite should be used to fill the container.
It’s important to remember that eucalyptus trees grow out of their containers after a few years. It is difficult to move a pot-bound eucalyptus to the ground because of how its roots expand in pots. For a big tree, the roots will continue to spiral and provide no support.
When a plant outgrows its area, it’s generally time to toss it. You may, however, collect the decorative branches and leaves for decorating around your residence.
How to Grow Eucalyptus Indoors
Potted eucalyptus plants may be grown indoors, although they grow quickly and outgrow rooms in a few seasons. You may, however, smell their lovely aromatic leaves and greenery throughout that period. Indoor eucalyptus plants may be cultivated in two ways:
- After a year or two, cut down eucalyptus grown indoors in a normal, round pot.
- To allow the roots to develop and be replanted in the ground, grow eucalyptus indoors in a cone-shaped Air-Pot.
For advice on how to treat eucalyptus inside the home, read on.
Growing Potted Eucalyptus Indoors – Light
Indoors, eucalyptus plants need a lot of sunlight. At least six hours of sunlight per day is required for eucalyptus plants to thrive indoors. In the brightest, most sunny spot in your home, plant a potted eucalyptus tree. Since the plant will get both midday and evening sunlight, a south- or west-facing window is best.
It’s critical to keep the indoor temperature under control. Eucalyptus plants can grow indoors between 65°F and 71°F (18°C and 22°C), despite the fact that they may survive temperatures of above 90°F (over 30°C).
Growing Eucalyptus Plant Indoors – Water
During the growing season, water an indoor eucalyptus plant on a regular basis. Wait until the top third of the potting mix is dry to water your plant in the best way possible. Soak the land well until the water runs out at the lowest point. Water eucalyptus trees only dry to the topmost layer of soil.
Growing Eucalyptus Plant Indoors – Soil
When grown in rich, fertile, loose potting soil with adequate drainage, eucalyptus plants perform best indoors. Mix one part houseplant soil, one part peat moss, and one part coarse horticultural sand to prepare a eucalyptus soil combination. This kind of eucalyptus soil has a lot of nutrients and doesn’t hold onto much water.
Peat moss, which is light and fluffy, contains crucial nutrients for thriving plant development. Perlite is a great soil amendment that improves drainage and allows for ample oxygenation.
Other Care Requirements for Growing Eucalyptus Indoors
There are a few more things to remember when caring for healthy eucalyptus plants, in addition to the three basic care requirements: light, soil, and water. For growing eucalyptus indoors, here are a few more handy tips:
Eucalyptus temperature and humidity
Indoors, keep the temperature between 68°F and 71°F (20° – 22°C) to keep eucalyptus plants thriving. There’s no need to spray the leaves of eucalyptus trees since they need average humidity levels.
Eucalyptus fertilizer
Weekly throughout the growing season, fertilize your potted eucalyptus plant with a low nitrogen houseplant fertilizer. The fast-expanding eucalyptus plant gets more “feeding,” which is enough to meet its needs. Look for potassium-rich fertilizers that have little nitrogen and phosphorus. Remember not to fertilize eucalyptus trees in the fall and winter.
Eucalyptus plant pruning
Annual pruning is beneficial for indoor eucalyptus plant growth. In the spring, clip eucalyptus branches to thin out the foliage in order to encourage bushy growth. To regulate the plant’s height, you may also prune off taller stems. Heavy pruning is possible on an mature eucalyptus tree.
Repotting eucalyptus houseplants
Every two or three years, repot an eucalyptus plant. Transfer the eucalyptus plant to a pot one or two sizes bigger than its current one to encourage more growth. Remove the eucalyptus plant from its pot and replace the potting mixture to encourage it to grow larger if you want to maintain its size.
What are The Best Eucalyptus Plants to Grow Indoors?
Eucalyptus shrub or mallee eucalyptus plants are the best kinds of eucalyptus plants to cultivate indoors. It’s easier to prune these plants to regulate their development rate, height, and form since they don’t grow too tall. These are some of the finest eucalyptus plants for indoor cultivation.
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) Indoor Plant
Due to their attractive, decorative leaves, Silver Dollar eucalyptus are ideal indoor plants. The silvery leaves of Silver Dollar eucalyptus are arranged in pairs along the stems, and they are egg-shaped. The aromatic leaves emit a pungent, bright eucalyptus plant fragrance when crushed. Dry and use in dried floral arrangements, silver dollar eucalyptus plants are a popular variety.
Cedar Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii)
Cedar gum has nice rounded silvery-blue leaves and is a kind of eucalyptus tree that grows younger and older. The plant’s crimson stems contrast nicely with the attractive leaves. The leaves are quite aromatic, as with all eucalyptus species. Drying and using cedar gum leaves in flower arrangements are popular.
Lemon-Scented Gum (Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora)
The lemon-scented gum tree is a tall eucalyptus tree that thrives as a houseplant and produces mature leaves and fruit. The egg-shaped leaves on this decorative plant are glossy green. The leaves take on a lanceolate form as the plant develops. When crushed, the leaves of this eucalyptus plant emit a lemony fragrance, as the name implies.
What to Do with Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus is a lovely indoor plant that is noted for its unusual leaves. Its leaves may be utilized to beautify your home. Since eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that necessitates regular trimming, you’ll have plenty of limbs and leaves to work with. What can you make out of eucalyptus leaves? Using eucalyptus leaves in a variety of ways is shown below:
Eucalyptus in the shower
In your shower, hang clusters of dried eucalyptus branches. Because of the high concentration of essential oils, eucalyptus leaves are well-known for their strong scents. The eucalyptus oils in Steam from your Shower are activated, filling your bathroom with new eucalyptus scents.
Use dried eucalyptus stems in floral arrangements
Place the leafy branches in vases for decoration, and mix dry bunches of eucalyptus stems.
Eucalyptus leaves for wedding décor
Non-floral wedding displays are perfect with attractive, aromatic eucalyptus leaves. The dried silvery-gray or blue-green leaves pair well with current themes and classic wedding colors.
How to Harvest Eucalyptus Leaves
It is simple to harvest eucalyptus branches and use the stems and leaves for floral arrangements. All you have to do is chop the eucalyptus branches to the correct length. Once the eucalyptus stems are dry, you may use them for ornamentation or cut off the leaves if they are dried.
Instead, leave eucalyptus leaves out to dry on paper towels, pinching them off and leaving them out. In potpourri, some people use eucalyptus leaves to fragrance rooms. Some people crush the dried leaves and use them as a bug repellent.
How to Dry Eucalyptus Leaves
The same methods are used to dry eucalyptus leaves and other plants. Make a small bunch of branches after removing the eucalyptus tree or shrub branches. Hang the eucalyptus branches in a dry, well-ventilated place for two to three weeks while they are upside down. Also, keep eucalyptus leaves from getting sunburned.
How to Preserve Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves may be used in crafts if you preserve them. Glycerin, a big bottle, and boiling water are all required for this. Add two parts boiling water to one part glycerin. Pour into a large glass jar when the liquid has cooled. Place the eucalyptus leaves in the liquid and wait.
The leaves will change color and be ready for craft work after two to six weeks. Eucalyptus leaves last for many months when preserved using the glycerin technique.
How Long Does Eucalyptus Cut Stem Last?
Eucalyptus stem cuttings may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. To make the lovely aromatic leaves last longer, you can put the chopped branches in a vase of water. Young eucalyptus trees provide the greatest cuttings and those that last the longest.
Where Can You Buy an Indoor Eucalyptus Plant?
Little eucalyptus plants, either for planting in the ground or pots, can be purchased at many garden shops. Little, rooted eucalyptus trees for indoor growing are available from many online retailers. You may alternatively purchase eucalyptus seeds to cultivate at home. It’s also tough to grow eucalyptus trees from seed or cuttings.