A rainbow eucalyptus can grow indoors with these expert tips.
We asked a tropical plant expert to find out.
Justin Hancockis director of research and development and horticultural content at Costa Farms.
Credit:James Randklev / Getty Images
Growing Rainbow Eucalyptus Indoors
Rainbow eucalyptus trees require full sunlight and ample humidity to grow well indoors.
If you have space for ahouseplant tree, it may be worth considering.
One drawback is that the brightly colored bark only appears with age.
Fill the container with a neutral to slightly acidic potting mix kept consistently moist.
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, following package directions for indoor plants.
Rainbow eucalyptus needs to be repotted every few years.
I wouldnt necessarily be too aggressive about repotting, Hancock says.
Plants that get more light and fertilization will need more frequent repotting due to their rapid growth.
Check every year or so to see if they need it, Hancock says.
I recommend just going up one or two pot sizes at a time.
Or you’re able to start one by seed or with a cutting.
Keep the pot in a warm spot withbright, indirect light.
A heating mat and a clear plastic dome can help germination.
Water from the bottom of the tray to avoid disturbing seeds.
you could transplant into a larger container once seedlings have two sets of true leaves.
Remove the lower leaves, keeping at least two sets of leaves at the top.
Dip the stem in arooting hormone, then plant in a pot filled with a moist seed-starting medium.
Pruning Rainbow Eucalyptus
Periodic pruning will keep rainbow eucalyptus neat and at a manageable size.
Outdoors in its native habitat, it can get more than 200 feet tall.
Indoors, you might keep it capped at about 6 feet with regular pinching and pruning, Hancock says.
Without regular pruning indoors, it will look thin and less attractive.
Prune in late winter or early spring, removing no more than a third of the canopy.
Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt because eucalyptus oils can irritate the skin.
