Eucalyptus care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Eucalyptus

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 3 days

Water thoroughly once the topsoil has dried well, as a guide, and empty the saucer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 5 days

Drying slows, so as a guide wait a day or two after the surface dries before watering.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 10 days

Growth slows, so keep it on the dry side and water a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.

Light and placement for Eucalyptus

As a guide, keep it outdoors in full sun with good airflow year-round; it takes summer sun, while indoors it stretches and drops leaves.

Overwintering Eucalyptus

Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above

Common types such as cider gum and silver dollar gum generally overwinter outdoors in the Kanto area if pots are sheltered from cold wind; tender kinds like lemon-scented gum want a bright spot above 5°C.

Fertilizing and repotting Eucalyptus

Fertilizer

It needs little feeding: as a guide, a small dose of slow-release fertilizer in spring and early autumn, none in midsummer or winter; excess makes soft, floppy growth.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Eucalyptus

• Overwatering or poorly draining soil causes root rot.
• Once it wilts from drying out completely, it often does not recover after watering.
• Shallow roots and a top-heavy crown let wind blow it over, pot and all.

Tips for growing Eucalyptus

• Stake it, and cut back the tips in spring to keep it low and bushy.
• When repotting, keep the root ball intact and move it to a pot one size larger.
• Cut branches can be hung to dry and enjoyed as dried foliage.

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