(It’s also a favorite food of koalas.)
Planted in a home garden, it stays at 6 to 10 feet tall.
Eucalyptus are best planted in spring and don’t require any staking or other support structure.
The Spruce / Melina Hammer
They have a fast growth rate and can gain several feet per year.
It features reddish-brown bark and silvery, blue-green leaves.
The bark, leaves, and sap of eucalyptus are toxic both to humans and pets.
The Spruce / Cielito Vivas
Likewise, eucalyptus plants grown indoors should be kept near a bright window, preferably one that faces south.
Soil
Eucalyptus can tolerate most soil types, but it needs soil with good drainage.
For container plants, use a well-drainingpotting mix.
The Spruce / Cielito Vivas
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Water
Eucalyptus is somewhatdrought-tolerantonce it’s established.
However, long periods of dryness may cause it to drop leaves.
The Spruce / Cielito Vivas
It cannot survive prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50F.
So if you’re growing your plant in a container, bring it indoors when you expect chilly temperatures.
Fertilizer
If you’re growing your plant in the ground, it typically won’t need fertilizer.
The Spruce
However, container plants will deplete their nutrients more quickly.
So fertilize them with a low-nitrogen houseplant fertilizer throughout the growing season, following label instructions.
Types of Eucalyptus
In addition toEucalyptus cinerea,there are hundreds of other eucalyptus species.
They include:
Pruning
Eucalyptus trees generally dont need much pruning.
The best time to do so is in the summer, but avoid pruning during very humid weather.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Aim to take your cuttings in the late summer.
Sow them in the late winter indoors roughly 10 to 12 weeks before your areas last projected frost date.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
you’ve got the option to bring it indoors during winter.
Choose an unglazed clay or plastic pot with plenty of drainage holes.
If you must repot, go with a pot 2 inches wider than the previous.
Do not let your plant be exposed to frost, which can damage or kill the foliage.
Place it near your brightest window, preferably a southern-facing one, for the winter.
Do not fertilize the plant, and slightly back off on watering.
Harvesting Eucalyptus Leaves
It is best to wait until late in the growing season to harvest eucalyptus.
If you just want the leaves, simply snip them off with pruners or by hand.
Air-dry them on a paper towel or drying screen in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Eucalyptus plants are fairly free of any major pest or disease issues.
But you might occasionally spot eucalyptus long-horned borers, especially on stressed plants.
Holes in the bark, oozing sap, and foliage discoloration are signs of an infestation.
Remove the infested area of the plant immediately, as insecticides are not effective against borers.
The tree will need to be removed.
Common Problems With Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees remain relatively healthy when in their preferred environment.
However, in suboptimal conditions, they can come down with certain issues.
Leaves Turning Brown
Leaves turning brownon a eucalyptus tree can be a sign of too little moisture.
Thats likely the issue if you notice leaves curling up or dropping as well.
In that case, up your watering to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.
Brown leaves also can be a sign of disease, especially fungal diseases.
If just a small area is affected, remove that portion promptly.
Or treat with an appropriate fungicide.
Eucalyptus can be tricky to grow outside of its natural environment.
But with enough sunlight and warmth, it can grow vigorously.
In prime conditions, eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree and can gain several feet per year.
Eucalyptus can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
They also are toxic both to humans and pets.
If growing eucalyptus indoors, confirm to provide your plant with plenty of bright, direct sunlight.
Eucalyptus cinerea.NC State Extension.
