Growing Eucalyptus Indoors? Here’s How To Do It

The Eucalyptus plant with its fragrant properties and coin-shaped foliage makes a wonderful addition to your indoor environment, especially in the bedroom and bathroom. Its attractive silvery blue-green aromatic leaves give off the aroma of menthol. Young plants of eucalyptus have attractive grey-green leaves which produce a distinctive aroma when crushed. They will flourish under ordinary room conditions if kept well-lit and cool.

Eucalyptus is also known for its ability to purify the air, making it an excellent choice for indoor growers looking to improve indoor air quality.

QUICK TIP: Keep the eucalyptus plant near a window that receives plenty of sunshine. The Eucalyptus needs ample amounts of light to thrive indoors. Make sure that the environmental indoor temperature does not get too hot, however.

Eucalyptus Plant Secrets of Success

Temperature: Cool or average warmth. Keep cool (45-55°F) in winter.

Light: This plant does not tolerate shade, so be sure it always has plenty of light. Some direct sun is beneficial. In front of a south-facing window works well.

Water: Water regularly from spring to fall. Water sparingly in winter.

Repotting: Repot in spring every year.

Propagation: Sow seeds in spring – germinate at 65°F.

Use: The essential oils derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree are often used as an antiseptic to treat wounds and burns and are added to cough syrups, soaps and cosmetics.

Notes: A Eucalyptus grown indoors may not flower. Plants are usually discarded after a couple of years. Eucalyptus is a plant that requires a lot of attention, so it is recommended for intermediate to advanced gardeners. Potted eucalyptus trees can be grown as container perennials until they get so big that they must be planted in the backyard or donated to a park. Eucalyptus houseplants grow so fast that they can be grown as annuals. Pots can be stood outdoors in summer. Pinch out tips to keep growth in check and to maintain the production of juvenile foliage – old leaves are much less attractive.

Where to Place Potted Eucalyptus Plants

Light Requirements for Indoor Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can withstand some direct sunlight, but excessive direct sunlight causes the leaves to yellow and wilt. The best light conditions for eucalyptus plants are bright, indirect light for the majority of the day, with a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon.

Providing enough natural light

Place your eucalyptus plant near a bright window that faces east, west, or preferably south (in Northern Hemisphere) to get enough natural light. If you do not have a sunny enough area in your home, you can use grow lights.

Importance of rotating your Eucalyptus plant for even growth

It is critical to rotate your eucalyptus plant on a weekly basis to ensure that all sides of the plant receive an equal amount of light. This encourages even growth and keeps the plant from becoming lopsided.

Eucalyptus Plant Care

While Eucalyptus plants are low-maintenance and hardy, they do require special care to thrive indoors. Here are a few things to remember when caring for your plant:

How often to water Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plants prefer to be kept evenly moist but not wet. Watering frequency is determined by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in your home, as well as the size of the pot and the type of soil. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering, and then thoroughly water until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Signs of over and under-watering

Overwatering eucalyptus plants can cause root rot, while underwatering causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Make sure the pot has good drainage and don’t let the plant sit in standing water to avoid over-watering. To avoid under-watering, be aware of your surroundings and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Humidity requirements

Eucalyptus plants prefer a moderate humidity level of 40-60%. If the air in your home is extremely dry, your eucalyptus plant may require more humidity to thrive.

Ways to increase humidity for your indoor Eucalyptus

You can add humidity to your eucalyptus plant by placing a tray of water near it, misting the leaves on a regular basis, or using a humidifier. Plants can also be grouped together to create a more humid microclimate.

In addition to the light, watering, and humidity requirements, fertilize your eucalyptus plant on a regular basis to provide it with the nutrients it needs. During the growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, and reduce the frequency during the winter.

Common Pests and Diseases of Indoor Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plants are tough and resistant to pests and diseases in general, but they are not immune.

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that cause yellow spots on eucalyptus plant leaves. They are especially common in dry conditions and can be controlled by misting regularly or using insecticidal soap.

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied pests that cause leaf yellowing and wilting. Controlling them is as simple as wiping the leaves with a solution of water and dish soap or using an insecticidal soap.

Root rot is a fungal disease that is caused by overwatering. It can cause leaf yellowing and wilting, as well as a mushy texture in the roots. Make sure the pot has good drainage and don’t leave the plant in standing water to avoid root rot.

Powdery mildew is also a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of eucalyptus plants. To avoid powdery mildew, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overcrowding.

If you suspect that your eucalyptus plant is infested with pests or diseases, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid further damage. Treat the problem with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide, and make any necessary adjustments to your care regimen to keep the problem from recurring.

Pruning and Training Your Indoor Eucalyptus

Pruning and training your indoor eucalyptus plant is essential for healthy growth, maintaining shape, and improving appearance. You can prevent disease spread by removing dead or damaged leaves, and you can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration by removing overcrowded or crossing branches, which can boost overall growth.

Pruning eucalyptus trees can be done at any time of year, but it is best to do it in the spring or early summer, when new growth is beginning to emerge. Cut back any branches that are dead, damaged, or crossing over other branches with sharp, clean pruning shears. You don’t want to stress the plant by cutting it back too much.

Eucalyptus plants have a natural tendency to grow straight and tall, but you can train them to grow in the shape you want by pruning and shaping them on a regular basis. A young eucalyptus plant, for example, can be trained to grow into a bushy, rounded shape by pinching back the tips of the branches on a regular basis, or it can be trained to grow into a tree shape by removing all branches except the main trunk.

Final Thoughts on Growing Eucalyptus Plants Indoors

For anyone who loves plants, growing eucalyptus plants indoors can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Your eucalyptus plant will thrive with proper care, including the right amount of light, water, and humidity, and will bring a touch of nature into your home. Remember to prune and train your eucalyptus on a regular basis to keep it in shape and healthy, and be aware of common pests and diseases to avoid problems.

A eucalyptus plant, with its fragrant, aromatic leaves and air-purifying properties, can be an excellent addition to any home. Why not give it a shot? Growing eucalyptus plants is a fun and easy way to bring a bit of the outdoors inside, whether you’re an experienced indoor gardener or just getting started.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been completely updated.