Eucalyptus Plant

Overview of the plant

Eucalyptus or Gum Tree is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Australian continent. Eucalyptus, thanks to its versatile use as timber, eucalyptus essential oil, dyes, home décor is widely exported outside of its natural habitat to other parts of the world. Eucalyptus covers an extensive part of the Australian forest(nearly three quarters). It’s an integral part of the Australian ecosystem. The ecosystem, prone to wildfires has molded the plant to adapt to the fire. Its seeds can survive the fire and regrow afterward. The size of the Eucalyptus plant ranges from bushy suburbs to giant trees. Eucalyptus leaves are an exclusive diet of animals like Koala bears.

Description

Size and habitat

The size of Eucalyptus span anywhere from shrubs that are less than a meter(3 foot 3 inches) tall to soaring trees taller than 10metres(33 feet). The shrubs can grow in extreme conditions and trees can grow way taller if conditions are right.

Bark

Eucalyptus is noticed to shed its bark every year. When the outermost layer dies, a new layer of bark is added by shedding dead bark in large slabs or small chips. Half of the Eucalyptus species completely shed its dead bark and the other half retains the part of the dead bark at the lower half of the trunk to form a thick layer at the base. The former ones are called ‘smooth-barks’ and later ones ‘half-barks’.

Leaves

Almost all Eucalyptus species are evergreen but a notable few may lose their leaves at the end of the dry season. The leaves are covered with oil glands, a common feature of its plant family.

The initially dull and greyish-green color of leaves transition to bright green as the plant matures. The four phases of Eucalyptus leaves are the seedlings phase, juvenile phase, intermediate phase and adult phase. The intermediate phase boasts the largest leaves. The leaves of the Eucalyptus tree tends to hang downwards.

Flowers

The petal-less flowers of Eucalyptus are often decorated with numerous fluffy stamens enclosed in a cap. The stamens may be white, pink, cream, yellow, or red in color. As a result, the flowers are the most readily recognized feature of the Eucalyptus plant.

Classification

There are over 700 known species of Eucalyptus plant. They are predominantly native to Australia with rare anomalies in next-door New Guinea or Indonesia. Eucalyptus can broadly be classified as:

 Mallet Eucalyptus

The branches of Mallet Eucalyptus are angled steeply upwards and have space between them, so they are also known as open-branched Eucalyptus. They have a single trunk with the noteworthy absence of Lignotuber and Epicormics buds.

Notable species:

• Eucalyptus Astringes( Brown Mallet)
• Eucalyptus Cladocalyx (Sugar Gum)
• Eucalyptus Mannifera (Brittle Gum)

Eucalyptus Marlock

Eucalyptus Marlock is densely branched and densely leaved trees. The leaves of Eucalyptus Marlock come all the way down to the ground. They are rather a small tree with a single, short trunk.

Notable species:

• Eucalyptus Platypus(Round-leaved Moort)
• Eucalyptus Conferruminata(Bald Island Marlock)

Eucalyptus Mallee

Eucalyptus Malle is low-growing shrubs. They are multi steamed from ground level and resembles a shrub rather than a tree. They typically grow at the height of 10 feet but may reach 25 feet if the circumstance favors them.

Notable species:

• Eucalyptus Eremophila(Sand Malle)
• Eucalyptus Erythronema(Red-flowered Malle)

Eucalyptus Morrell

Eucalyptus Morrell is the type of tree in the western Australian wheat-belt. They have a long, straight trunk that is completely rough-barked.

Notable species:

• Eucalyptus Longicornis(Red Morrell)
• Eucalyptus Melanoxyion(Black Morrell)

Growing the Eucalyptus plant

The striking silver leaves and the gratifying aroma makes Eucalyptus a desirable plant to have both indoors or in the backyard. But growing the plant is a challenge in itself despite how rewarding the result is. You ought to be cautious of the nature of the plant, temperature of the surrounding, seasons, fertilizer, and everything related. Here’s the stepwise procedure for growing a healthy and fine Eucalyptus plant.

The very first step is to figure out the species of plant you are growing. Most people have this perception of Eucalyptus is a looming giant of a tree growing wildly. Some species are just perfect as a backyard plant or the indoor one. Dwarf species of Eucalyptus like Eucalyptus Archeri, one with bushy leaves of Eucalyptus Gregsoninana, with shiny bark and gorgeous white flowers are ideal for plantation. Depending on your choice and available space you can decide on the species to plant but make sure to good research on the very species you chose.

Next, get the seed of the plant from a local garden or buy it online. Make sure the seeds are plantable and healthy. Eucalyptus seeds are tiny mustard seed-like and are light brown to dark brown in color.  Now put the seed in the refrigerator for two months. This step is called stratification which brings seed out of dormancy for germination.

Following the step, prepare the pot. One key element of the Eucalyptus plant is they don’t like being transplanted. So, use a peat pot that you can bury along with a plant in the ground. Fill the pot with potting soil which is porous in nature.

The seeds are supposed to be planted in late winter several weeks before the last expected frost. This period is usually around Mid-February in Northern Hemisphere and Mid-July in Southern Hemisphere.

To plant the seed, sprinkle few seeds on top of potting soil in the peat pot. Then cover the pot with a light dusting of Horticulture Sand, this holds seeds in position and keeps them warm. Don’t use sand from anywhere else which may be pest infested. As soon as it is covered with sand, moist with water. Moist the soil every one or two days. It’s crucial to keep the seed warm so try moving the pot to a warmer place like a heated greenhouse or heating pad. Place the pot in a place where it receives adequate sunlight.

After a month or so, seedlings may appear to grow. Since the multiple seeds are planted, you can observe a number of seedlings growing. You can trim the weak seedlings and keep strong, healthy ones. While trimming use sterilized scissors to avoid infection to the young plant. Scissors can be disinfected either by boiling in water or dipping in isopropyl alcohol.

Transplanting outside:

The Eucalyptus plant is initially sown inside. Some species of Eucalyptus plant better thrive outside and are inconvenient inside due to their size. So to transplant it outside, select the time around the mid-summer. A designated place receiving all-round sunlight and protection from strong wind is a must.

After you figure out the precise location, first amend the soil around it to the depth of 30cm(12 inches). Cover it with few inches of aged compost. Now dig a large enough hole to accommodate your peat pots. For multiple pots, dig holes that are at least 8 feet(2.4 meters) apart from each other. Now, plant the pot in the ground and use your hands to pack the soil around the root. Water the area to make the soil damp.

With the growth of the plant, water it once a week. Mulch is a mixture of decaying leaves, bark, or compost, apply the layer of mulch to the soil. Mulch helps to control temperature, keep the soil moist and eliminate weeds.

Fertilization is vital in growing seasons I.e. mid-spring and mid-summer. Consult before applying any fertilizers. The high phosphorus and low nitrogen fertilizers are best for your plant.

Keeping Indoor:

The aromatic property of the Eucalyptus plant is an exemplary stress reliever. It also works as an air filter. The essential oils from the plant are a useful remedy for cough, cold, etc. The dried leaves can be used as a herbal tea. These applications are captivating enough to keep Eucalyptus as an indoor plant. After you get the right species you just have to make slight changes to the procedure. First and foremost, use a large, cone-shaped air pot in place of the conventional round pot. It gives roots more space to grow. After seeds are planted, moisture them by wrapping plastic cover around them. The seedlings will be observed within a month. It will grow to a 15-20 inches small tree in six months. You also have the option to prune the plant after it matured to an extent.

Rooting:

Given the nature of the plant, seeding is always the best option to grow the Eucalyptus plant. If you have a pre-existing species of the grown plant you can choose to replant it by cutting off the stem of the plant. This process is a bit more compelling and minute details must be taken care of.

First of all, pick a tree that is two months to a year old. The tree should’ve been grown in the current season because older trees might not grow roots. Now, cut the stem which is at least five to six inches long and has few leaves on it. The cut must be clean to avoid infection. Always use a disinfected pruning shear of appropriate size. Next, choose a spot just below the leaf node to cut. After you cut off the stem, drop it in a bucket of water or wrap it in a damp cloth or paper towel. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem.

Yet again it’s time to prepare the pot. Apply the correct fertilizer and mix it with soil. You now dip the stem in fungicide and let it dry for a few minutes. Fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Moisten the pot with water and insert half of the stem cutting into the mix. If there is more than one stem cutting, do it simultaneously. Use a plastic bag to wrap around the pot and keep it in a warm-lit area. Sprinkle water regularly to maintain the moisture. It will take 4-6 weeks for the stem to develop roots. Finally, remove the plastic bag.

Important notes:

• Eucalyptus doesn’t grow in a temperature below -12°c.
• Multiple transplantations may damage the plant.
• The plant is highly fragrant and some may develop allergies to it.
• Eucalyptus plant is a heavy feeder so adequate sunshine is fundamental for growth.
• It’s crucial to use the correct fertilizers.
• Some species are meant to be pruned. Use a clean pruning shear for the act.

Where can I buy the Eucalyptus plant?

We recommend you to buy the live plants from your local nursery or contact your local florists. You can also buy them online in various stores like Amazon, Homedepot and Etsy.