How To Grow Eucalyptus In A Pot?

Eucalyptus is a fabulous tree, with striking bark and drifts of pretty leaves. It can grow to quite startling sizes, so you may be wondering how to grow eucalyptus in a pot – is it even possible? It turns out that it is, and it’s easier than you might think! There are a few things to remember about it though, so have a read through and find out the best ways.

How To Grow Eucalyptus In A Pot

My Eucalyptus in a pot…

Eucalyptus does very well in a pot, though there are some that do better than others so a dwarf or medium sized eucalyptus is the best bet.

1. These plants like to be in a full sun position, so pick your sunniest garden spot to place your eucalyptus pot.
2. Ensure that your pot is big enough to allow the roots to spread and the plant to grow well.
3. These trees like well-draining soil, so go for a peat-free compost and consider adding some bark to it.
4. Adding some organic mulch such as bark chips can also help to keep the roots protected and to prevent water loss.
5. Eucalyptus is quite a thirsty plant, so you will need to make sure you keep on top of your watering schedule, especially if it is hot and windy.
6. Feed your eucalyptus with a slow-release fertiliser every couple of weeks during the growing season, to give it the nutrients it needs.
7. You shouldn’t have to prune too often, but a little trim once a year is a good idea to keep it in shape and encourage new growth.
8. In the colder months, your eucalyptus will benefit from some protection – either cover it with sheep fleece, or preferably move it indoors or to a greenhouse.

Here is an article detailing all the things that eucalyptus likes the best.

Does Eucalyptus Need Sun?

In a word, yes. These trees are native to one of the sunniest places on the planet, and as such they will not tolerate too much shade.

There are some varieties that can cope with a little partial shade, but on the whole these guys need the sunniest position you can find them.

One of the advantages of growing eucalyptus in a pot is that you can follow the sun around with the times of day and the seasons.

If, in spring, your eucalyptus gets all the light but by summer the sun has changed position, you can simply pick up your pot and move it to a sunnier spot.

Eucalyptus in pots can be kept as houseplants – but remember their need for a lot of light!

They will need to be kept in the lightest, brightest room in your house, south facing if possible, to give them the best chances.

Why Is My Potted Eucalyptus Dying?

Looking after any plant takes a bit of care and consideration, and eucalyptus is no exception. If your potted eucalyptus is dying, check the following:

• Light conditions. Eucalyptus need a lot of sunlight, and if yours is not in the brightest spot you have, then go and put it there right away!
• Container size. These are pretty big trees, and as such they will need a pretty big space to grow in. Make sure you place them in the biggest pot you have, and check for signs that it is becoming pot-bound.
• Water. Although they come from hot climates, you will need to water your eucalyptus regularly when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
• Soil. These trees are fairly tolerant, but they will not thrive in soil that is heavy or clogged – sitting in water can damage the roots and cause them to rot.
• Feeding schedule. Some types of eucalyptus need a lot of feed, and all types will benefit from a monthly dose of balanced fertiliser to keep them strong.
• Too cold. Eucalyptus will not take kindly to freezing temperatures, so if you live in a cold area you will need to cover your eucalyptus or bring it in during the winter months.
• Pests. Eucalyptus is fairly resistant to most pests, as its oils can deter them, but it can still be susceptible to damage from beetles and wasps. Treat the plant with neem oil and dish soap mixed with water if you notice any creepy crawlies doing damage.
• Diseases. A potted plant is more at risk of fungal infections than one planted out, so keep an eye out for brown spots forming on the leaves. You can treat infections with a topical fungicide.

As long as you ensure that the growing conditions are ideal and the plant isn’t suffering from any disease or infestation, you should be able to keep your potted eucalyptus going for a good long while.

If you need some more ideas about what’s wrong with your eucalyptus, check out this video:

Can Eucalyptus Survive UK Winter?

Eucalyptus is a fairly hardy plant, but it really does not like to get too cold. After all, they are native to Australia, not known for its cold temperatures!

Your eucalyptus can survive in the UK winters, but you will need to take some action to help it get through the coldest months.

Planting a eucalyptus in a pot can actually be easier to keep it protected – you can simply move the pot to a warmer place.

If you have a greenhouse then this would be ideal to keep it warm enough over the winter.

If you don’t have a greenhouse, and you don’t have space to bring it into your house, there are other ways to keep your eucalyptus warm.

Place a good amount of sheep fleece around the roots – this will help keep the coldest temperatures away from the most sensitive parts of the plant.

You can make a screen with plastic or fabric, to keep the worst of the biting winds off (cold winds can shrivel the leaves and cause them to die completely).

As long as you take a bit of care with your eucalyptus, it can survive a UK winter and bounce back in the spring.

Final Words

So there you have it – how to grow eucalyptus in a pot, and have it survive and thrive. It may take a little effort to get it right, but it’s well worth it!

You may be surprised that eucalyptus can grow happily in colder climates, as it is native to hot countries, but with the right care and attention, your potted eucalyptus will do very well.