When given the proper circumstances, potted indoor eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus cinerea) make attractive and fragrant houseplants. The majority of us have witnessed towering eucalyptus trees that reach the heavens. It might surprise you to learn that smaller eucalyptus varieties make beautiful and fragrant houseplants. Discover how.
Fast Facts
- Eucalyptus cinerea is the botanical name.
- Height: 4.5 to 15.8 meters, or 15 to 52 feet
- Dispersion: 3 – 4.5 meters / 10-15 feet
- Sun exposure: direct sunlight
- Needs for soil: well-draining
- Zones of hardiness: 8b to 11
- When to plant: in the summer or spring
Can You Grow Eucalyptus Indoors?
When fully grown, the eucalyptus species becomes a very tall tree that is suitable for parks or forests. As a houseplant in a container, it won’t live very long. However, the Argyle-Apple or Silver Dollar Tree variety stays smaller and makes a lovely indoor eucalyptus plant. These trees grow well indoors or outdoors in bright, direct sunlight on a patio.
Care of Indoor Eucalyptus Plants
Brightness
Tall or small, eucalyptus trees require a lot of bright, direct sunlight.
Water
Young trees that have just been transplanted need to be watered often. The trees become drought-tolerant as they grow. Indoor eucalyptus trees and other container plants require more frequent watering to maintain the compost’s moisture content during the growing season.
Climate and Humidity
These trees can thrive in warmer climates and are hardy to USDA zone 8. They do not like locations that are cold or experience winter frost. Most houseplants thrive in typical home temperatures and humidity levels.
Soil
Plant in soil that drains well. It thrives in poor soils and can withstand most types of soil.
Apply fertilizer
Even with poor soil, eucalyptus grows well. Compost or other soil enrichment will cause your outdoor tree to grow too many leaves. Pruning established trees that are planted in the ground should only be done following a drastic pruning. Follow the directions on the fertilizer’s package to apply something like pelleted poultry manure. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer once a month, April through September, to container eucalyptus.
Issues, Insects, and Illnesses
Eucalyptus trees are hardy and rarely have problems. An occasional attack by Eucalyptus gall wasp (particularly in southern England) can occur on a plant. Oedema, or minor swelling on the leaves, is occasionally visible and is brought on by soggy soil. Ultimately, the tree can be killed by a type of fungus known as honey fungus, which attacks its roots. In the fall, look for clumps of golden-brown toadstools.
How to Grow an Indoor Eucalyptus Tree
Eucalyptus trees need to be planted in a container in order to be kept as houseplants, and choosing the appropriate planting container is crucial.
Because soggy soil is bad for plants, make sure the container has enough drain holes. Get a soil-based, all-purpose compost and add up to 30 percent horticultural grit to improve drainage and planting.
Trimming
Pruning mature eucalyptus is rarely necessary. On the other hand, prune the newly planted trees to create trees with good shape. (See our guide on pruning eucalyptus; in some situations, pruning may be necessary.) Every few years, coppice the plant if you must keep the tree small. In the spring, this is best done.
Transmission
When the seed capsules from eucalyptus trees ripen, they can be used to spread the plant. It takes the capsules several years to reach maturity on the tree. Following that, they must be refrigerated for a few months prior to spring planting.
Repotting a Eucalyptus Tree Indoors
Every few years, repot your indoor eucalyptus tree. Choose a container that is roughly one or two inches (2.5–5 cm) bigger than the previous one. Now is the time to replace the potting material with new compost.
Differentiations
The shorter eucalyptus cinerea, sometimes referred to as the Argyle Apple or Silver Dollar tree, is a good choice for houseplants kept indoors.
Is Eucalyptus a Suitable Houseplant?
The Argyle Apple and Silver Dollar Tree eucalyptus cultivars remain smaller than the original species. They can be grown in bright, direct sunlight indoors or outdoors on a patio. They make fragrant, low-maintenance houseplants.
Do Eucalyptus Plants Smell Good Indoors?
When you touch or brush against the leaves and stems of indoor eucalyptus plants, they release the traditional scent of eucalyptus.
