If you want your eucalyptus to show off that gorgeous, silvery foliage we all love, you’ve got to look beyond just the leaves. A happy plant starts underground! To keep your eucalyptus thriving, you need to understand what’s happening beneath the soil. Here’s the lowdown on how deep those roots actually go and what you need to keep an eye on.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How roots behave in the wild (or your backyard)
- Managing root depth for potted plants
Eucalyptus Roots in the Great Outdoors
Believe it or not, eucalyptus trees are actually shallow-rooted plants. Even though these beauties can soar up to 100 feet tall (even in European climates!), their roots usually only dive about 20 inches into the dirt. This is great news if you have a spot in your garden where the soil isn’t super deep. Just make sure the rest of the site conditions—like sun and drainage—are on point.
While they don’t go deep, they definitely go wide! Eucalyptus roots have a serious case of wanderlust. They can spread out up to 100 feet away from the main trunk, forming a flat “plate” just under the surface. Because they’re such aggressive growers, you’ll want to plant them a good distance away from your other garden favorites so they don’t hog all the water. Pro tip: many gardeners use root barriers to protect nearby plants, water lines, or foundations from these wandering roots.
Root Depth for Potted Eucalyptus and Patio Containers
If you’re growing your eucalyptus on the balcony or as an indoor potted plant, the root system is going to be much more contained. Growing in a pot naturally stunts the root growth because there’s less space and fewer nutrients available. Whatever you do, don’t try to “fix” this with extra fertilizer! Eucalyptus is pretty sensitive, and over-fertilizing can actually cause more harm than good.
For potted trees or “standard” (lollipop-style) grafts, keep a close eye on that root ball. If you notice the roots are starting to circle the pot or look cramped, it’s time to move up to a larger container or find a permanent home for it in the garden. One golden rule: never trim or prune the roots. Eucalyptus is incredibly finicky about its root system, and damaging them can send the plant into a tailspin.
