Eucalyptus plants are fast-growing evergreen trees and shrubs native to Australia. With their unique juvenile foliage and pleasant scent, they make excellent houseplants. However, proper care is crucial for your eucalyptus plant to thrive indoors. One important aspect of eucalyptus care is knowing when to repot for healthy growth.
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
Carefully tip the plant on its side and slide it from the old pot. Gently loosen the root ball with your hands or a blunt tool. Trim off any circled or tangled roots with pruners.
Prepare the New Pot
Fill the new, larger pot about 1/3 full with fresh potting mix. Place the eucalyptus root ball into the center so the top sits just above the soil level.
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
Water well until it drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This helps settle the soil. Allow excess water to drain fully before putting your eucalyptus back in its decorative pot or on its saucer.
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?
I often loosen the soil and roots when putting any plant into its new home—but that should never be done with eucalyptus! If your plant is root-bound in its old container, use scissors to cut the plastic container away so you don’t tear the roots.
What type of soil is best for eucalyptus?
Reason being, in their native environment of Australia and Tasmania, Eucalyptus trees grow in very well-drained gravelly soil that is 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. I tend to use a pot with drainage holes, as they don’t require you to tip your plant sideways.