Those gorgeous, silvery-green leaves are the hallmark of the eucalyptus tree. They aren’t just a favorite snack for Australian koalas—gardeners all over the world love them for their unique look and amazing scent. But if your plant suddenly starts dropping its leaves, it’s definitely a cause for concern. Don’t panic, though! Here’s a look at what might be going on and how you can fix it.
Common Care Mistakes
When a plant starts drooping or losing its leaves, it’s basically waving a red flag. You’ll want to double-check your location and your daily routine to see what’s off. Most of the time, leaf drop comes down to a few basic care hiccups. Keep an eye out for these three culprits:
Why your eucalyptus is losing leaves:
- Root rot from overwatering
- Too much fertilizer
- Damaged roots
Overwatering is probably the most common issue. This happens if you’re getting a little too enthusiastic with the watering can or if the drainage in your pot has changed. Make sure the water can flow out freely! Eucalyptus also isn’t a fan of heavy feeding. During the growing season, stick to a light schedule and then give the fertilizer a rest.
Environment matters, too. If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight or is stuck in a drafty hallway, it’s going to struggle. Make sure your eucalyptus gets at least a few hours of direct sun every day. That’s why many gardeners place their plants in a south-facing spot to soak up those rays.
Root Damage and Space Issues
Another reason your eucalyptus might be shedding is root damage. These plants can be a bit sensitive when it comes to their “feet.” When you’re repotting, be extra gentle to avoid snapping any roots. If you have a potted plant or a standard tree in a container, it might simply be root-bound. If the roots have filled the pot, it’s time for a bigger home!
For those of you with eucalyptus planted in the ground, remember that they are shallow-rooted trees. This means their roots don’t go super deep, but they spread out wide—sometimes up to 100 feet away from the trunk! If there’s been any digging or major landscaping nearby, the root system might have been nicked, leading to that leaf loss you’re seeing.
