Cultivate a eucalyptus? Not easier than that! The deciduous tree, which comes from Australia, is very undemanding due to the extreme conditions in its homeland. You also have different options for planting eucalyptus. The tree is not only suitable as a solitary plant in the garden, but also thrives on the terrace, balcony or as a houseplant. Only pruning is an essential care measure. On this page you will learn how much attention you should give your eucalyptus.
How do I properly care for a eucalyptus?
The following aspects are important when caring for eucalyptus: regular fertilization with slow-release fertilizer, controlled watering, consistent pruning, frost-free overwintering and annual repotting in compost soil. The special needs of the eucalyptus enable he althy growth.
Fertilize
In order to better express the impressive coloring of the leaves, the eucalyptus needs a lot of nutrients. It is best to plant it in compost soil. Adding fertilizer twice a week with a slow-release fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) also helps. You should only give the tree time to recover in the winter months.
Pouring
The eucalyptus is used to drought and can easily cope with longer periods of drought. Of course, you still have to water the tree a little. Before watering again, check whether the substrate has already dried out. Otherwise, you will overwater the tree. Waterlogging forms, which causes mold.
Cutting
The eucalyptus is known for its strong growth. If you don't use scissors regularly, its mass will quickly exceed the capacity of the bucket. The eucalyptus can also become too tall for the garden. Therefore, cut the tree regularly, although the pruning may be radical. The new shoots occur after a short time. It is also important to remove all dried leaves and cross-growing branches.
Wintering
Even the fast-growing eucalyptus needs a period of recovery at times. In winter you should stop fertilizing completely and also reduce watering. Attention, except for the Eucalyptus gunii variety, the deciduous tree is not frost hardy. Potted plants or those that are on the balcony must be brought indoors when it is cold. The best way to overwinter the eucalyptus is as follows:
- in a cool location at around 13°C
- in a bright place
Repotting
Since the eucalyptus not only grows quickly above ground, but also forms a large root ball, you have to repot it annually.
- Fill a pot with compost soil.
- Remove the eucalyptus from the old pot without damaging the roots.
- Place the tree in the larger pot.
- Cover the roots completely with soil.
Depending on the growth rate, repotting may even be necessary every six months.
