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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Tree forms – Grow over 33 feet tall with rough, peeling bark. Common varieties include Tasmanian blue gum and Sydney blue gum.
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Mallee forms – Grow as woody shrubs under 33 feet tall with multiple stems near ground level. E.g. Eucalyptus vernicosa.
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Marlock forms – Multi-stemmed shrub varieties under 13 feet tall Ex Eucalyptus preissiana
Eucalyptus is highly valued for its medicinal essential oils, timber, and ornamental qualities. The leaves produce a distinctive, menthol-like aroma that helps clear sinus congestion. 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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Certain swamp-dwelling species like Eucalyptus camaldulensis are more adapted to wet conditions. 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. Silver dollar eucalyptus is the most recognizable and available variety (aka the kind you find at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods), so I grow that kind, as well as baby blue and lemon eucalyptus.
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. When you start the preservation process of eucalyptus by putting the fresh clippings in water, it actually helps to dry more slowly and prevents wrinkling in leaves during the drying process. 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 introduced me to a fantastic method for preserving eucalyptus using glycerin, and I think it’s my favorite way to keep eucalyptus fresh for decor. If youre planning to use eucalyptus in your winter wreaths, garlands, or full vase arrangements, this method is a game changer. 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.
- Gently smash the ends of the stems with a hammer to help the plant absorb the mixture.
- Mix 1 part vegetable glycerin with 2 parts boiling water in a mason jar.
- Place the eucalyptus stems in the mixture, and leave them there for about 2 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?
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. This question has sparked debate among gardeners, with some arguing that eucalyptus requires plenty of water, whereas others believe that it can survive with minimal moisture.
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 can be particularly useful for growing eucalyptus plants that require more water, as the plants can absorb nutrients and moisture directly from the water.
Should Eucalyptus flowers be arranged in water?
Arranging your fresh eucalyptus bouquet in water actually helps it dry more slowly and prevents the leaves from warping and wrinkling during the drying process. 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.