Eucalyptus is a total showstopper with those gorgeous, silvery leaves that instantly level up any garden. But here’s a pro tip: you don’t need a huge backyard to enjoy them! These Australian beauties actually make fantastic houseplants. Whether you want to brighten up your living room or add some flair to your balcony, here is everything you need to know about growing eucalyptus in containers.
What Your Potted Eucalyptus Really Needs
When planted in the ground, eucalyptus trees can soar to over 100 feet tall. Obviously, we don’t want a forest in the kitchen! While keeping them in a pot naturally stunts their growth a bit, you’ll still need to stay on top of maintenance to make sure your plant doesn’t literally hit the ceiling.
First things first: location is everything. You can keep your potted eucalyptus indoors or out on the patio, but it’s non-negotiable that they get plenty of bright, direct sunlight. Also, try to keep them out of drafty hallways or windy corners. To keep that bushy, manageable shape, regular pruning is a must.
Here’s your pruning checklist:
- Always snip off dead wood or wilted leaves.
- Trim the main stem to your desired height.
- Remove any branches that are crossing over each other.
- Shape the crown to keep it looking full and tidy.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Care
If you’re keeping your eucalyptus inside where it’s nice and toasty, you can pretty much prune it whenever you like. However, if your plant lives outside on the balcony, put the shears away during the winter. Pruning during a freeze can leave the “wounds” exposed to the cold, which can really stress the plant out.
During the spring growing season or right after repotting, you can give your eucalyptus a little boost with some fertilizer. Just be careful not to overdo it! Too much fertilizer is a quick way to end up with dry, brown leaves. When it comes to watering, eucalyptus is a bit picky about “hard” water. They much prefer rainwater or filtered water over anything straight from the tap that’s high in lime.
Finally, keep an eye on those roots. Eucalyptus grows fast, and if the root ball starts getting cramped, it’s time for a new home. For the first few years, plan on moving your plant into a slightly larger pot about once a year to keep it happy and healthy.
