Those gorgeous, silvery-blue leaves are the whole reason we love growing eucalyptus, right? But it can be a real heartbreaker when that lush foliage suddenly starts turning brown. If your plant is looking a little scorched, it’s basically sending you a distress signal that something is off with its environment or care routine.
Don’t panic! Here’s a breakdown of why your eucalyptus might be struggling and how you can get it back to its vibrant self.
Watch out for “Soggy Feet”
If a healthy eucalyptus suddenly takes a turn for the worse, it’s usually not because of the location—after all, it was doing fine there before! More often than not, the culprit is a change in care. There are a few classic mistakes that lead to those dreaded brown leaves.
Remember, eucalyptus is native to places like Australia, where it’s used to intense heat and can handle a bit of a dry spell. Because of that, it craves a spot with tons of direct sunlight. While it’s a champ at handling sun, it absolutely hates “wet feet” (standing water). Overwatering is the fastest way to stress this plant out. Check your soil—if it feels swampy or doesn’t drain well, you’ll need to ease up on the H2O or improve the drainage to keep those roots happy.
Root Damage and Stress
Sometimes the problem is hidden underground. If the roots are damaged, the leaves will be the first to show it. Did you recently repot your eucalyptus? It’s possible the root ball got a bit banged up in the process. Or, if it’s planted in the ground, maybe some nearby digging disturbed its root system. If you suspect root stress, try using a specialized root-strengthening fertilizer to help the plant recover.
How to handle brown leaves:
- Gently remove any dead, crispy leaves from the plant.
- Prune away dead branches right at the main trunk.
- Give the plant a light trim to encourage fresh, new growth.
- Double-check that it’s getting enough bright, natural sunlight.
Another thing to consider: is your eucalyptus feeling cramped? If it’s in a pot, it might have outgrown its home. When a plant becomes root-bound, it can’t take up nutrients properly. If you see roots circling the bottom or poking out, it’s time to move it to a larger container with some fresh, high-quality potting mix. Your plant will thank you for the extra breathing room!
