Eucalyptus can be grown indoors, but it requires consistent attention and specific conditions, making it more challenging than typical low-maintenance houseplants. Botanically, eucalyptus is a tree genetically programmed for rapid, large-scale growth in sunny, open environments. Successfully keeping this fragrant, silvery foliage plant inside requires dedicated, ongoing management to alter its natural growth pattern. It is a rewarding project for those who can meet its high light and pruning requirements, but it is not suitable for the casual owner.
The Specific Challenges of Indoor Cultivation
The primary difficulty in cultivating eucalyptus indoors stems from its nature as a fast-growing, sun-loving tree native to the Australian outdoors. Most varieties can grow several feet in a single season, quickly outgrowing the average living space. Maintaining a manageable size necessitates aggressive intervention, as containing the plant in a pot clashes with its inherent tendency to grow large.
Indoor environments lack two conditions the plant naturally relies on: a cool dormancy period and high airflow. Many species benefit from a winter rest with temperatures dipping to around 45–50°F, which is difficult to replicate in a climate-controlled home. Stagnant air can predispose eucalyptus to fungal issues and oedema, a condition where cells burst from taking up water too quickly. Therefore, good ventilation is necessary.
Meeting Essential Environmental Requirements
Eucalyptus demands intense light to thrive, making a south-facing window the preferred location. They need a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily, and ideally up to ten hours, to prevent the plant from becoming spindly or dropping lower leaves. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental high-output, full-spectrum LED grow lights for twelve hours a day are necessary to mimic the intensity of the Australian sun.
The plant requires consistent moisture but is highly susceptible to root rot if the soil remains soggy. A successful watering strategy involves soaking the soil thoroughly until water drains out, then allowing the top inch or two to dry before watering again. Using a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix, often including perlite or cactus soil, helps ensure excess water escapes quickly.
Eucalyptus prefers moderate indoor temperatures, typically between 65–75°F during its active growing season. While they tolerate lower temperatures, they are sensitive to sudden fluctuations. Keep them away from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents. Although tolerant of average household humidity, a slight increase during dry winter months can benefit leaf health.
Pruning and Potting Strategies for Size Control
Since eucalyptus growth is vigorous, maintaining an indoor size requires regular, aggressive structural management. The most effective method for keeping the plant shrub-like and encouraging the desirable silvery juvenile foliage is coppicing. This technique involves cutting the main stem or stems back severely, sometimes nearly to the ground, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
A less severe method is pollarding, where the plant is pruned back to a main structure at a certain height, allowing new shoots to emerge from that point. Restricting the plant’s root space is also a practical way to manage its overall size. Keeping the eucalyptus slightly root-bound in a container naturally constrains its growth rate, helping it remain a manageable houseplant for several years.
Recommended Species for Home Environments
Selecting a naturally smaller or slower-growing species significantly improves the chances of indoor success. The rule is to choose varieties with a shrub-like growth habit, known as mallee eucalyptus, rather than towering forest species. These varieties are less demanding regarding light and water than their full-sized relatives.
Several species are recommended for home environments:
- Eucalyptus gunnii ‘Silver Drop’ is highly recommended due to its tolerance for indoor conditions and compact, silvery foliage.
- Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum) is valued for its distinct citrus fragrance and remains smaller in a container.
- Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ is a slower-growing option that adapts well to container life and features classic round, silvery-blue leaves.