Wrap the string tightly around the stems. Tie the branches together, right under the leafy part, so that the bare stems are below the twine. You may want to wrap a rubber band around the stems to temporarily hold them together while you secure the string around them. Eucalyptus is an attractive indoor plant that is prized for its unusual foliage. Because eucalyptus is a fast-growing plant that requires regular pruning, you’ll have plenty of branches and leaves to use. Here are some helpful tips on how to care for eucalyptus growing indoors. Growing Potted Eucalyptus Indoors – Light Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Eucalyptus plants grow best indoors when grown in a rich, fertile, loose potting soil with excellent drainage. Make a soil mix for eucalyptus by mixing one part houseplant soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse horticultural sand. This type of eucalyptus soil doesn’t retain too much moisture and has plenty of nutrients.

Fertilize your potted eucalyptus plant weekly during the growing season – use a low nitrogen houseplant fertilizer. Extra “feeding” provides plenty of nutrients for the fast-growing eucalyptus houseplant. Look for a fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen and phosphorus. Apart from the three essential care factors for healthy eucalyptus plants—light, soil, and water—there are a few other things to keep in mind.

Growing a eucalyptus in your garden this way encourages strong root growth and a sturdy, healthy shrub or tree. Growing eucalyptus plants outside in pots Silva SM, et al. Essential oils from different plant parts of Eucalyptus cinera F. Muell. Ex Benth. (Myrtaceae) as a source of 1,8-cineole and their bioactivities. (2011). Many garden stores sell small eucalyptus plants that are ready for planting in the ground or pots. Many online retailers sell small, rooted eucalyptus plants for growing indoors.

Another reason to keep the leaves away from the water stream is so that the oil doesn’t go into your mouth or eyes. Eucalyptus can irritate skin Kim KY, et al. (2014). The effect of 1,8-cineole inhalation on preoperative anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. DOI: Stop using eucalyptus if your skin becomes irritated or if you see signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives. It isn’t uncommon to be allergic to eucalyptus. The best types of eucalyptus plants to grow indoors are the shrub or mallee eucalyptus plants. These plants don’t grow too tall, and it’s easier to prune them to control their growth rate, height, and shape. Drying eucalyptus leaves uses the same techniques to dry any type of plant. After harvesting the branches from the eucalyptus tree or shrub, make a small bunch of branches. Hang the eucalyptus branches upside down in a dry environment where there is plenty of air circulation for 2-3 weeks. Also, protect drying eucalyptus leaves from direct sunlight. How to Preserve Eucalyptus LeavesEucalyptus oil can irritate skin and eyes, especially when not diluted in a carrier oil. Water and oil don’t mix or create a diluted mixture. For this reason, don’t place the leaves directly under the water stream. Rather, let the steam from your shower activate and release the oil into the air. Swallowing eucalyptus oil has caused seizures Eucalyptus leaves contain large amounts of essential oils. The intense spicy scents and cooling effect are reasons why crushed eucalyptus leaves and eucalyptus oil are popular in aromatherapy. The reason eucalyptus leaves are popular for interior design is their rounded, coin-like shape and blueish-gray color. Young eucalyptus plants generally have oval-shaped leaves. As eucalyptus plants grow, their aromatic leaves gradually become lanceolate-shaped. Eucalyptus leaves from young plants become crispy when dried. Can Eucalyptus Grow Indoors?