Can You Plant Eucalyptus in a Pot? Complete Care Guide
Eucalyptus is one of those trees that aren’t that well known unless you live down under! You can tell when a Eucalyptus tree is around because they release a uniquely intoxicating smell that can cleanse the air (and your nasal passages). But eucalyptus are naturally trees with deep roots, which begs the question can you grow a eucalyptus in a pot?
Growing eucalyptus in pots is possible, however, due to their large stature, there are a few considerations to be made. You will need to carefully consider:
- their water source,
- variety of eucalyptus,
- the size of the pot you use, as well as
- the impact of your local climate.

We discuss all the care requirements of growing eucalyptus in a pot in this detailed guide. So go grab a flat white (type of Australian coffee) and get ready, because it’s gonna be bonza! (okay, we promise that’s the last of the Australianisms)!
How to Care for a Potted Eucalyptus Tree
Eucalyptus trees are beautiful specimens that can add a particular sense of elegance to a garden or room. However, since they naturally grow outside in bushland and can reach anywhere between 33-100 feet (10-30 meters) in height, the care requirements will be slightly different from that of your typical potted plant.
Let’s take a look at some care requirements of eucalyptus in pots.

Watering a Eucalyptus in a Pot
One of the most important responsibilities you have for your eucalyptus plant in a pot is to supply it with plenty of water.
Unlike when they are planted in the ground, where they can tap into groundwater reserves with their deep roots, a potted eucalyptus tree relies entirely on you for their water source.
You are solely responsible for supply all the water to a potted eucalyptus tree.
If possible, we recommend installing some irrigation around the base of your eucalyptus, with water being dripped on a regular basis from a timer. This ensures your eucalyptus will not dry out and potentially start to lose some of its limbs as it struggles to stay hydrated.
Mature eucalyptus plants are somewhat drought tolerant (they have to be in the Australian climate), however, they still do not take kindly to prolonged periods of dryness.
Mulching Your Eucalyptus

While we are discussing your eucalyptus’s water requirements, we recommend mulching the topsoil of your pot. Eucalyptus trees naturally mulch the areas they live in by dropping plenty of leaves and bark. When they live in a pot, they are unable to produce this natural mulch.
Use an organic mulch like wood chips to retain the moisture in your eucalyptus’s soil.
Not only does it prevent moisture evaporation from the soil, but it also helps to suppress weeds that can steal nutrients from the soil.
Pot Size and Repotting
Pot size is going to be important as your eucalyptus matures.
It is important to adhere to the usual advice for young pot plants and seedlings. Meaning, choose the appropriate size container for your seedlings, and young plants.
You don’t want to plant a seedling in an overly large pot, just because it will mature into a grand tree in 7-10 years’ time. For one, it will look odd. But, it will also be hard to maintain the moisture levels your sapling requires in a large pot.
When your eucalyptus tree begins to shoot up, you will have to consider larger, heavier pots to act as a counter-weight for the height of your eucalyptus. This is especially important to prevent your pot plant from blowing over.
Can you Grow Eucalyptus Indoors? Care Guide
Yes – it is possible to grow eucalyptus indoors. However certain conditions must be met, in order for it to thrive and remain healthy.
Let’s take a look at the specific conditions indoor eucalyptus plants require.

Lighting
Where you place your indoor eucalyptus plant will ultimately determine whether it will become a source of beauty or a source of frustration.
Eucalyptus trees require a lot of light – they are, after all, trees that naturally grow outdoors.
The ideal position for an indoor eucalyptus plant is a sunny window that receives plenty of bright light. Unlike other indoor plants, a eucalyptus can tolerate direct sunlight – actually they will flourish in it.
Soil
Like other indoor plants, the quality of your soil will also determine how successful and hassle-free your indoor plant parenting journey will be. We recommend using high-quality potting soil that has a high organic composition with good drainage properties.
We like to make our own indoor plant soil so we can control the important properties of the soil, such as moisture retention, aeration, and drainage. For indoor eucalyptus trees, we would definitely recommend soil that retains a lot of moisture, as they can be heavy drinkers, especially when they are growing.
Water
If you have read up to this point, you’d know how much emphasis we have placed on getting the watering requirements of your eucalyptus correct. When it comes to indoor eucalyptus plants, it is even more important. They won’t have the natural rainfall to rely on, so checking and maintaining a good level of moisture in the soil is paramount.
For occasions like this, we like to use the soil moisture finger test. It is a simple and effective technique for determining if your indoor plant requires a water top-up. We discuss the technique in depth HERE. To be honest, we wish we’d known about this technique when we first embarked on our gardening journey. It would have saved plenty of headaches and frustrations.
Temperature and Humidity
Young eucalyptus plants will be sensitive to sudden temperature swings, so try to keep them away from drafts or in the direction of any airflow from heaters or airconditioners.
When they mature, they are more tolerant, but it still can impact their health.
Generally speaking, the indoor temperatures and humidity levels that most of us live in will be sufficient for an indoor eucalyptus to survive and thrive.
For those that love numbers and specificity, try to keep your eucalyptus in temperatures in the range of 65-75° Fahrenheit (18-24° Celsius) and humidity levels between 30-50%.
Fertilizer
It is important to feed your indoor eucalyptus plants, as they will be reliant on the nutrients from fertilizers to grow healthy and strong.
We suggest using a low-nitrogen fertilizer to help your eucalyptus focus on growing its root and stem systems, rather than leaves.

Other Considerations for Eucalyptus in Pots
Other than the usual husbandry responsibilities for your potted plants, there are a few other considerations you need to make for eucalyptus plants.
Overwintering
If you live in a climate that is susceptible to frost during the winter months, we recommend bringing your potted eucalyptus indoors when the temperature drops.
In their natural environment, in Australia, the winter nights rarely attract any frost. If they are exposed to prolonged periods of frost, the foliage will become damaged from frostbite and be detrimental to your plants’ health.
Good Eucalyptus Varieties for Pots
Not all eucalyptus varieties are suited to life in a pot. Some will adapt better than others. So with that in mind, here are a few of our recommended varieties:
- Eucalyptus Gunni (Cider Gum) – is one of the fastest growing and hardiest eucalyptus varieties, which makes it perfect as a potted eucalyptus. They are an evergreen eucalyptus, which means they will shine all year round with beautiful powdered green plumage. They usually grow in a conical shape, which makes for a beautiful centerpiece in any home and garden.
- Eucalyptus Globulus (Blue Gum) – is the quintessential eucalyptus tree that most people associate with gum trees. With their elongated green leaves and recognizable gum nuts, they release a beautiful citrus scent when their leaves are bent or torn.
- Mallee Eucalyptus – if you are after a smaller variety of eucalyptus to grow in a pot, try the beautiful Mallee Eucalyptus. They don’t grow as vertical and tall as their other cousins, tend to have more main stems, and grow in a bush-like manner (albeit still quite a large bush). What makes them unique, are their unique heart-shaped leaves that can come in a variety of shades of green (even dusky grey).
Frequently Asked Questions about Eucalyptus in Pots
Can I Grow Eucalyptus in a Small Pot?
Yes – you certainly can grow eucalyptus in a small pot. However, there are special considerations that you need to take into account when growing eucalyptus trees in small pots. Such as frequent and consistent watering, especially if it is a young plant. You will also need to research how tall your eucalyptus will grow, and match the pot weight and size as a counter-weight, so it doesn’t topple over.
There are many factors to consider when growing eucalyptus in a small pot. We recommend reading through this article to gain an understanding of all the relevant factors.
Is eucalyptus a good indoor plant?
Eucalyptus plants can be a rewarding indoor plant that will deliver a unique elegance to any room it lives in. Not only will it improve aesthetics, but the leaves will also release a wonderful eucalyptus fragrance that freshens the air in your house.
Like other indoor plants, they also bring other additional benefits, like cleaning and absorbing harmful toxins from the air.
Will my eucalyptus continue to grow tall in a pot?
As we mentioned earlier, eucalyptus trees are naturally tall trees reaching up to an average of 30 meters in height (older trees can exceed this height).
That said, if a eucalyptus tree has been cultivated in a pot its entire life, the root system will naturally conform to the available space it has in the pot and container. The restricted space will limit the growing potential of the eucalyptus tree and it will be dwarfed.
How often should you water a eucalyptus plant?
Eucalyptus plants can be heavy drinkers. They require a constant source of water, which can be challenging for an indoor plant. Implementing a regimented schedule will help you keep on top of your watering responsibilities.
We also recommend testing the moisture levels of your soil with your finger before you go to water your eucalyptus. It will help to prevent any root rot from developing and attracting unwanted pests.