Although very hardy outside, Eucalyptus make easy and attractive specimens as houseplants as long as a few instructions are followed to keep a compact form. They have no overwintering resting bud and warmth in the house will continue to encourage growth throughout the winter.
Repot upon arrival into an eight or nine inch pot with a normal potting compost and water well. Place the plant(s) in a SOUTH facing window with bright light in or out of direct sunlight. They will not thrive if they are not in this position. Average room temperature is not important, but growth will only continue above 8°c. The higher the temperature the faster growth. Continue to water throughout the winter when room temperatures are above 8°c, otherwise water sparingly.
If you purchased the plants in Late Autumn/Winter by April the plant should have grown 20cm to 40cm. Prune back all growths by about 10cm and also any leggy growth. Repot into the next sized pot. Alternatively you may treat the plants as house plants just for the first winter and then plant out in the garden in March/April.
If you purchased the plants in Spring/Summer repot as directed before. You may either keep the plant inside during summer or place outside in a sunny position. Ensure that it is continually well watered as growth accelerates at this time. Do not stake. Depending on species by the end of the summer the plant will have made 30cm to 60cm growth whilst in the pot.
Overwatering combined with poor ventilation will lead to high humidity which can induce 'galls' or Oedemia on the leaves. This is not a disease but is caused by the rupturing and subsequent callousing of some cells in the leaves. It will not kill the plant and is merely cosmetic. To avoid this ensure the humidity is reduced. If affected the leaves will be shed and new healthy growth will replace them.
Cut back new growths if the plant is getting oversize. Follow the same instructions as before for the next winter. In March cut the plant back to 10cm from soil level. New foliage will emerge as buds from the base of the plant in April. Continue as before, liquid feeding this time and cutting hard back every two years.
The best species for houseplants are: E. coccifera E. crenulata E. glaucescens E. nicholii E. perriniana E. pulverulenta and E. vernicosa |
