Eucalyptus Care Guide: How to Grow Eucalyptus Plants

Eucalyptus is a genus of more than 700 species of plants belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Eucalyptus plants are fast-growing evergreen trees and shrubs native to Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Eucalyptus trees can reach heights of up to 300 feet. Their bark is smooth to the touch and peels away easily. They are considered gum trees due to the sap excreted when the bark is broken. The most common variety of eucalyptus tree is called blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), which gets its name from its blue-green foliage.

Eucalyptus shrubs have a maximum height of about 30 feet tall. The shape and color of eucalyptus leaves varies greatly between species. The most common varieties have glossy green, oval-shaped leaves that narrow to a point. Some less mature varieties will have rounder leaves that are a dusty green color. Eucalyptus leaves make up the majority of the diet of Australian koalas, which eat roughly a pound of leaves a day. Today, eucalyptus plants are grown all over the world for their menthol-like fragrance and medicinal properties.

Some eucalyptus plants are suitable for indoor growing.

1. 1. Cider gum: Compact varieties of cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii) like the ‘Silver Drop’ cultivar do well as indoor plants and can grow up to three feet tall and one and a half feet wide.
2. 2. Silver dollar: Silver dollar eucalyptus plants (Eucalyptus cinerea) have blue-green, coin-shaped leaves that make for a perfect addition to a cut-flower arrangement. Prune them regularly to manage their size during the growing season (the spring and summer months).
3. 3. Alpine cider gum: Alpine cider gum shrubs (Eucalyptus archeri) have blue-green, elongated, oval-shaped leaves.

Eucalyptus trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 8–11. However, some home gardeners prefer to plant eucalyptus shrubs in containers or as potted plants indoors.

1. 1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Eucalyptus plants prefer areas that receive at least eight to 10 hours of full sun. If you plant your eucalyptus indoors, place the potted eucalyptus near a south-facing window so that it gets plenty of sunlight. If you're planting eucalyptus in your garden, make sure the soil drains well. Likewise, if you're planting eucalyptus in a pot, use high-quality potting soil and a pot that has drainage holes to let out excess moisture.
2. 2. Water your eucalyptus plant regularly. Eucalyptus plants are only partially drought-tolerant once they're established. Water your new plants regularly to prevent their leaves from drooping and falling off. If planting outdoors, placing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture where it needs it most.
3. 3. Fertilize your houseplants. Outdoor eucalyptus trees rarely need fertilizer, but your eucalyptus houseplants can benefit from some liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the spring.
4. 4. Prune your eucalyptus plant as needed. Eucalyptus plants are fast growers. The best way to keep that growth in check, and keep the plant healthy, is to regularly prune and shape it.

Eucalyptus essential oils and extracts are often found in both over-the-counter drugs and alternative medicines, but eucalyptus oil can be toxic when consumed, so keep it away from pets and children. It's also recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid using direct applications of eucalyptus oil.

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