How to Grow Eucalyptus Indoors

A beautiful, very ornamental tree, which easily reaches 20 metres in height. And very particular flowers (they are used a lot at weddings, with peonies and iris) ranging from white to red, passing through silvery gray. The name of this plant comes from the Greek and translates as "well hidden": it indicates one of its characteristics, namely the fact that the petals, during the entire first stage of flowering, hide the center of the flower very well. Eucalyptus is an easy plant to grow, despite its size, even simply in a pot. The important thing is to pay attention to the soil (drained and non-alkaline) and the temperature, as eucalyptus is not resistant to cold.

Index of topics

Variety

The Eucalyptus genus is vast, comprising more than 600 species, all native to Australia and nearby islands. These shrubby and tree-like plants grow in a wide variety of environments, from hot, humid tropical forests to arid, sunny deserts and even mountainous regions with cold winters. Although they vary in growth, crown shape, size, leaf shape and color, flower size and color, and many other characteristics, eucalyptus trees are unmistakable for their silvery or glaucous leaves, the characteristic aroma emanating from their leaves and other parts of the plant, and the shape of their flowers, which resembles that of myrtle (in proportion). The flowers can be small and clustered in threes or in long, receding clumps, and their color ranges from white to various shades of red. The large, silvery flower buds, present in some species, are highly ornamental and can be kept for a long time when dry.

Flowering

Eucalyptus blooms profusely in spring, summer, and even autumn, depending on the species. The flowers are white, yellow, and even red, with dazzling hues, making them ideal for large gardens, parks, and coastal areas.

Land

In warm or mild winter climates, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus rostrata, and other similar varieties are planted as windbreaks or for reforestation in coastal areas. These eucalyptus trees are extremely fast-growing and have a large development; they grow more than 3 m each year, easily exceeding 20 m in height, and have a slender crown. In colder climates and in northern regions, as far as olive trees grow and even beyond, it is best to plant Eucalyptus gunnii, with rounded juvenile leaves and lanceolate adult leaves, always a beautiful silvery color, or Eucalyptus niphophilia, with lanceolate, thin adult leaves, light green or glaucous in color; The first has bark that is initially light and then gray-brown, while the second has bark that gradually flakes in large patches and varies in color from light cream to gray, to reddish-brown. Eucalyptus gunnii can be pruned frequently to form a bush or hedge; in this way, the branches renew themselves annually and thus preserve their beautiful young foliage forever.

Exposure

The soil must be deep, loose, and fresh. Eucalyptus requires sun exposure, and this should be considered when positioning the plants. As for spacing, considering their growing size, keep plants at least six to eight meters apart. Eucalyptus trees require specific watering, through irrigation, only if summer temperatures become so high that they put the soil at risk. In any case, it's best not to overwater, as eucalyptus is very sensitive to waterlogging, which then creates the conditions for the proliferation of bacteria, mold, and microorganisms.

Watering

Eucalyptus is a very hardy plant, even when it comes to watering. It tolerates periods of drought well and has no problems when the soil becomes damp. In any case, during the season from spring to late summer, it's a good idea to water eucalyptus plants two to three times a week. This is especially true given the temperatures, which have now risen significantly.

How to grow in a pot

The most suitable species for growing this splendid plant at home is theeucalyptus gunnuiFor a very simple reason: it's the slowest growing tree, at an average rate of 30-45 centimeters per year. This allows you to enjoy eucalyptus in a pot whenever possible, then repot it into a larger one. Until it becomes necessary to move the plant into a garden, let's not forget that eucalyptus can reach a height of up to 60 meters. We remind you that eucalyptus, thanks to its scent, is also useful for keeping insects away from plants. handouts.

How to grow it at home

Eucalyptus also grows very well indoors. It requires a cool environment, with medium heat, between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius, plenty of light, and partial exposure to the sun. The plants should be repotted every year in spring, and with the arrival of summer, they should be moved outdoors. For indoor cultivation, it is not recommended toEucalyptus globulus, which becomes too high, and it is better to choose theEucalyptus guanii, slower growing, or theEucalyptus citriodora, which has lemon-scented leaves.

When to plant eucalyptus

There are two options for planting eucalyptus: seeds or seedlings. In the first case, sowing is done in the fall, in a greenhouse, and then transplanting in the spring. In the second case, the seedlings should be planted in early spring.

Pruning

Given the eucalyptus's potential growth, it's advisable to prune it generously throughout the year. Even with annual pruning, the plant should never exceed two meters in height, or a maximum of two and a half meters.

Eucalyptus oil

A precious eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant: purifying, decongestant, antiseptic and toning. It is widely used, and with good results, as a natural remedy for fumigations decongestants, cold and stuffy nose, sore throatFurthermore, due to its antiseptic qualities, eucalyptus oil is ideal for making a natural homemade mouthwash.

Eucalyptus infusion

Eucalyptus leaves can be used to make an excellent infusion for bronchitis, coughs, and catarrh.

Necessary

20 grams of eucalyptus leaves
1 liter of boiling water

Preparation

Let it rest in boiling water for 5 minutes
Filter and sweeten only with honey
Drink from a cup up to 2-3 times a day.

How to grow eucalyptus indoors