Eucalyptus is a popular plant known for its fragrant foliage and versatility. With its distinctive blue-green leaves and fresh scent, eucalyptus can enhance floral arrangements, home decor, aromatherapy, and more. But an ongoing debate among gardeners is whether eucalyptus needs to be kept in water at all times in order to thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine if eucalyptus requires being submerged in water, the benefits and risks of putting it in water, recommended care tips, and best practices for keeping your eucalyptus healthy.
An Overview of Eucalyptus Plants
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of over 700 species of flowering trees and shrubs belonging to the myrtle family. Most eucalyptus varieties are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round. They are native to Australia but are grown worldwide today.
There are three main types of eucalyptus plants
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Forms of trees: Grow over 33 feet tall with rough, flaky bark Common varieties include Tasmanian blue gum and Sydney blue gum.
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Mallee types: grows as woody shrubs less than 33 feet tall with many stems close to the ground E. g. Eucalyptus vernicosa.
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Marlock forms – Multi-stemmed shrub varieties under 13 feet tall Ex Eucalyptus preissiana
The medicinal essential oils, wood, and ornamental qualities of eucalyptus are all very valuable. The leaves have a strong, menthol-like smell that helps clear up stuffy noses. Eucalyptus oil also has insect repellent properties.
Does Eucalyptus Need to Be Submerged in Water?
Many people mistakenly believe eucalyptus needs to be kept in water at all times, like cut flowers. However, this is not necessary for eucalyptus to grow and thrive.
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Eucalyptus prefers moderately moist well-drained soil. It does not require soggy or waterlogged soil.
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Excessive watering can lead to root rot, fungus, and other damaging conditions.
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While eucalyptus can tolerate temporary flooding, it should not be fully submerged for extended periods.
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Some species, like Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which lives in swamps, are better able to handle being wet. But most eucalyptus thrive best in drier soil.
Therefore, while periodic moisture is important, continually standing in water is not a requirement for healthy eucalyptus. Careful watering and drainage are better strategies.
The Benefits and Risks of Putting Eucalyptus in Water
Placing eucalyptus in a vase has benefits for floral designs or aromatherapy but also carries risks if left too long:
Benefits
- Helps cut eucalyptus branches last longer before drying out
- Allows oils to diffuse into the air for aromatherapy
- Provides hydration after transplanting newly potted eucalyptus
Risks
- Promotes bacterial growth and slimy film on leaves
- Causes submerged leaves to rot and fall off
- Can lead to root rot if potted eucalyptus is left in standing water
- Encourages fungal diseases like leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew
While brief water placement can be useful, it’s best not to leave eucalyptus submerged more than 2-3 days. Change the water frequently to prevent bacteria buildup.
Caring for Eucalyptus: Watering Tips
Caring for your eucalyptus properly is the best way to keep it thriving without needing standing water. Here are some key care tips:
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Water 1-2 times per week, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Water at the soil level rather than overhead to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
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Ensure pots and in-ground planting areas have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Reduce watering frequency in rainy seasons or winter dormancy.
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Mist eucalyptus leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
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If root rot occurs, transplant to new soil and water sparingly until recovered.
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For cut eucalyptus, change the vase water every 2-3 days and remove rotting leaves.
Proper watering technique is vital for eucalyptus health. Monitor soil moisture and adjust your schedule based on weather and season.
Best Practices for Optimal Eucalyptus Health
Follow these tips for vibrant, healthy eucalyptus without needing to keep it flooded:
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Plant in loose, sandy soil amended with compost for drainage.
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Choose a sunny location, getting at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
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Stake tall varieties and young trees to protect from wind damage.
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Prune back dead branches and shape overgrown plants after flowering.
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Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage new growth.
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Protect from frost and freezing in winter if grown outside its hardiness zone.
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Bring potted plants indoors before temperatures drop below 30°F.
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Watch for pests like psyllids, gall wasps, and longhorn borers.
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Propagate new eucalyptus from cuttings using rooting hormone.
With proper site selection, soil preparation, watering, and care, your eucalyptus will thrive without needing submersion. Pay attention for signs of stress and adjust care accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Eucalyptus Problems
Here are some common eucalyptus problems and what they indicate:
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Drooping or wilting leaves – Signals underwatering. Check soil moisture and water if dry beneath surface.
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Yellowing leaves – Can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nitrogen deficiency.
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Leaf drop – May result from too much water or normal seasonal shedding.
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Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Improve drainage before replanting.
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Leaf spots or blight – Fungal issue worsened by wet leaves and humidity. Improve air circulation and use fungicide.
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White powder on leaves – Powdery mildew fungus. Apply sulfur fungicide.
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Chewed leaves – Pest damage. Identify and apply appropriate treatment.
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Curled leaves – Usually signals drought stress. Water more frequently.
Quick diagnosis and adjustment of growing conditions can correct these common eucalyptus problems before they become severe.
Achieving the Healthiest Eucalyptus
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Select an ideal sunny, well-drained planting location.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inches of soil are dry.
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Ensure pots and gardens have adequate drainage.
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Limit cut eucalyptus stem vase time to 2-3 days.
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Watch for signs of water stress and disease.
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Adjust watering based on climate and seasonal needs.
With proper soil preparation and attentive care, your eucalyptus will flourish. Its natural drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and decor.
In conclusion, eucalyptus is a versatile plant that does not require continual standing water. Monitor soil moisture, allow sufficient drainage, and adjust watering to the season for optimal health and enjoyment of this aromatic decorative species.
Grow Eucalyptus in Your Garden
Who else gets a natural boost of energy when they smell eucalyptus? Me too. But sometimes, fresh eucalyptus can be hard to find.
When you learn how to grow eucalyptus in your own garden, you’ll have access to a versatile plant that can be used to naturally support your health.
There are over 700 species of eucalyptus, most of which are native to Australia. But luckily, there are varieties that will grow in the Midwest, too. I grow silver dollar eucalyptus, baby blue eucalyptus, and lemon eucalyptus because they are the most common and easy to find types. You can find them at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.
In the Midwest, I start my eucalyptus seeds in February. Seeds can be tricky to find, so if you are planning to grow eucalyptus, make sure you source your seeds well ahead of time so you can stick to the correct seed starting schedule. And once you get your eucalyptus planting in your garden, you might think it is growing very slowly compared to the rest of your flowers and veggies. But although the plants may look sparse or leggy at first, come late summer/early fall, your eucalyptus should be voluptuous and ready for picking.
Most places sell dried eucalyptus, and I know many growers immediately dry eucalyptus, but I believe you should enjoy it fresh for as long as possible.
Once you clip your eucalyptus stems, put them directly in a vase of water. Remove any stems or leaves below the waterline of the vase to avoid deterioration.
If you’re using a clear vase, you will notice the water turns visibly brown after several days. Go ahead and freshen up that water after a few days. The eucalyptus is naturally steeping into the vase water, essentially making a eucalyptus tea. It’s not harmful and won’t affect other flowers, but brown water in a vase is not very aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Even if you intend on drying your eucalyptus so you can enjoy it long term, putting in water first gives you another opportunity to live the garden to table lifestyle. After cutting down eucalyptus trees, putting the fresh clippings in water helps them dry more slowly and keeps the leaves from getting wrinkled while they’re drying. The eucalyptus will actually dry on its own right in the water. Just remove the water from the vase after the eucalyptus has dried on its own, usually in about 10 to 14 days. Or just let the water evaporate!.
How to Preserve with Glycerin
My friend Karen at Yellow Dog Farm showed me a great way to keep eucalyptus fresh for decorating that involves glycerin. I think it’s my favorite way to do it. This is a huge step forward if you want to use eucalyptus in your winter wreaths, garlands, or full vase arrangements. The eucalyptus stays soft and waxy, so it won’t get brittle and break off like it can when dried. This year, I’m even planning to add little sprigs of eucalyptus to my Christmas gift bows for a special touch.
However, if you want to use your eucalyptus for essential oils or bath salts, skip the glycerin and hang dry it instead. Glycerin is best for decor!
These are the steps to preserve eucalyptus with glycerin:
- Start by cutting the eucalyptus stems to your desired length.
- Use a hammer to gently hit the ends of the stems to help the plant take in the mixture.
- Boil two cups of water and mix one cup of vegetable glycerin with them in a mason jar.
- Add the eucalyptus stems to the mix and let them sit there for two weeks.
After about two weeks, you’ll notice the leaves have softened and turned darker. This method works wonders for foliage like eucalyptus or ferns, giving them a rich, glossy look that lasts for months. I haven’t experimented with other plants yet, but I’m excited to give it a try!
The Benefits of Eucalyptus
FAQ
How long will eucalyptus last without water?
Freshly cut eucalyptus can last for 3-4 days without water before wilting and drying out. If you want to extend its life, consider using preserved eucalyptus or drying the fresh stems properly.
Can eucalyptus grow without water?
Caring for Your Eucalyptus These plants are used to hot, tropical environments. They can tolerate a drought with some wilting, but don’t go too long without watering them. They are evergreens, so if you have leaf drop, try to adjust your watering schedule.
How long will eucalyptus last when cut?
Fresh eucalyptus last around 3 weeks if kept in water as floral arrangements.Feb 13, 2020
Does Eucalyptus need water?
However, there has been some confusion about whether or not eucalyptus needs to be in the water to thrive. Gardeners have different opinions on this topic. Some say that eucalyptus needs a lot of water, while others say that it can survive with only a little.
How often should Eucalyptus be watered?
Change the water frequently to stop bacteria from building up. Caring for your eucalyptus properly is the best way to keep it thriving without needing to be in standing water. Here are some key care tips: Water 1-2 times per week, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Can Eucalyptus grow in hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water instead of soil, using nutrient-rich water and a growing medium such as perlite or coconut coir. This method is great for growing eucalyptus plants that need a lot of water because the plants can take in nutrients and water directly from the water.
Should Eucalyptus flowers be arranged in water?
Putting your fresh eucalyptus bouquet in water before drying it helps it dry more slowly and keeps the leaves from curling and warping as they dry. The eucalyptus will actually dry perfectly on its own, right in the water.
How to keep Eucalyptus fresh?
Here’s how to keep eucalyptus fresh: A lot of the time people buy eucalyptus with the intention of drying it, and of course that’s a great thing to do, but in my experience, it’s best if you put your eucalyptus in a vase of water first if at all possible.
Should eucalyptus trees be submerged in water?
However, leaving your eucalyptus submerged in water for an extended period can have severe consequences on its overall health. When eucalyptus trees are exposed to water for more than two to three days, they can begin to experience problems such as root rot, yellowing leaves, and wilting.