Eucalyptus plants are native to Australia and are fast-growing evergreen trees and shrubs. They make great houseplants because of their unique young leaves and pleasant smell. But you need to give your eucalyptus plant the right care for it to do well indoors. Knowing when to repot your eucalyptus is an important part of taking care of it so it grows well.
Repotting allows your eucalyptus plant’s roots more room to spread out and grow. It also provides fresh nutrient-rich soil to fuel new growth. Learning the signs it’s time to repot and following some key tips will ensure your eucalyptus houseplant stays happy and healthy.
How Often Should You Repot a Eucalyptus Plant?
Eucalyptus plants grow rapidly, especially when they are young Their fast-growing roots can quickly become pot-bound in their containers As a general guideline, plan to repot your eucalyptus annually each spring. However, some fast-growing varieties may need repotting twice per year.
Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Eucalyptus
Watch for these indicators that your eucalyptus plant is ready for a larger pot:
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Roots are visible emerging from the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. This is a sure sign your plant has become root-bound.
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Growth has slowed. When the roots fill up the pot, growth will slow down.
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Leaves are wilting more frequently. Poor root growth due to limited space can make the plant prone to wilting.
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Your plant is tipping over or unstable. As the plant and root mass expand, it can become top-heavy.
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Your eucalyptus plant looks like it is struggling to thrive. Repotting into fresh soil provides new nutrients for growth.
Transition Slowly to Avoid Shock
When repotting your eucalyptus plant, increase the container size gradually. Only go up one or two pot sizes at a time to prevent shock. Shock from too large a space can cause leaf curling, wilting, or other stress symptoms.
The Repotting Process Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps when it’s time to repot your eucalyptus houseplant:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need your eucalyptus plant, a container 2 sizes larger than the current pot, potting mix suitable for eucalyptus, a scoop or trowel for repotting, and pruners to trim any circled roots.
Remove from the Current Pot
Be careful to turn the plant over on its side and remove it from the old pot. Use your hands or a blunt tool to loosen the root ball slowly. Trim off any circled or tangled roots with pruners.
Prepare the New Pot
Fresh potting mix should be about a third of the way up the new, bigger pot. Put the eucalyptus root ball in the middle so that the top of it is just above the soil.
Backfill with Potting Mix
Hold the plant upright and fill in around the root ball with more potting soil. Pack it down gently but firmly to anchor the plant. Leave 1-2 inches at the top free of soil.
Water Thoroughly
Add a lot of water until the water can drain out of the bottom of the pot. This helps settle the soil. Before putting your eucalyptus back in its pot or on its saucer, let all the extra water drain away.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
The potting mix you use when repotting eucalyptus is vital for healthy growth. Look for a mix specially formulated for container plants. Combine potting soil, peat moss, perlite, and a slow-release fertilizer. Or use an orchid or ericaceous mix. Ensure the soil drains well but also retains some moisture.
Selecting the Right Pot for Your Eucalyptus
Choosing the correct container for your eucalyptus plant helps promote healthy roots. Consider these pot options:
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Select a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Cover holes with mesh or stones.
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Place plastic nursery pots inside decorative containers without holes for drainage.
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Try air pots with ridges to stimulate better root growth through air exposure.
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Weight the pot’s base down to prevent tipping using pebbles or stones.
Caring for Your Eucalyptus After Repotting
Get your newly repotted eucalyptus off to the right start by giving it proper care:
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Place in bright, direct light like a south-facing window.
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Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil.
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Let the soil dry out partially between waterings.
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Apply monthly fertilizer during the active growth period.
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Protect from hot/cold drafts and temperature swings.
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Prune as needed in spring after new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Issues After Repotting
If your eucalyptus plant shows signs of stress after repotting, review these potential causes and solutions:
Problem: Wilting leaves
Cause: Shock from repotting
Solution: Ensure gradual sizing up of pot and proper aftercare
Problem: Leaf curling or drooping
Cause: Too large a pot size increase
Solution: Use a gradual increase in pot size
Problem: Leaf yellowing
Cause: Overwatering
Solution: Allow soil to dry out more between waterings
Problem: Dropping leaves
Cause: Under-watering
Solution: Water more frequently after repotting
Problem: Minimal new growth
Cause: Lack of light
Solution: Move to spot with more direct sunlight
With the right timing and care, repotting your eucalyptus houseplant into a larger container can help sustain its attractive juvenile foliage. Pay attention for signs like root-bound plants or reduced growth to know when it’s time for new soil and more space. With a little annual TLC repotting your eucalyptus, you’ll enjoy its unique beauty for years to come.
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FAQ
When should I repot my eucalyptus plant?
Water the tree thoroughly. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years to prevent the roots from becoming root-bound.
Do eucalyptus like to be root bound?
When I move any plant to a new spot, I usually loosen the soil and roots. But you should never do that with eucalyptus! If the roots are stuck in the old pot, use scissors to cut the plastic pot away without damaging the roots.
What type of soil is best for eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus trees come from Australia and Tasmania, where the soil is very well-drained gravelly and often very shallow over Aug. 27, 2016.
How to keep potted eucalyptus alive?
When you care for your eucalyptus, its best to remember that they enjoy moist environments not soggy ones. So be sure to drain out any excess water. When I use a pot with drainage holes, I don’t have to tip my plant over to water it.