Eucalyptus is more popular as the fluffy koala's preferred food, but this plant can also grow as an addition to your home garden. As a potted houseplant, they will need some help from fertilizers to grow well, and you're probably looking for the best ones to use. We researched the best of the best eucalyptus plant fertilizers and we've compiled this list for you.
Keeping potted eucalyptus happy requires the occasional use of plant feed. Depending on the quality of the soil that the eucalyptus is planted in, here are some fertilizers that can enhance their growth.
- 10-10-10 fertilizer
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer
- High potassium fertilizer
These fertilizers will do well to keep your potted eucalyptus plants happy. Caring for eucalyptus plants is pretty easy, but there are things to consider while you keep them at home. Keep reading because we also have some of the best tips on how to care for eucalyptus trees, as well as the uses you can get from them by planting them in your home.
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4 Best Fertilizers For Eucalyptus Plant [And How To Use Them]
For many people, eucalyptus trees are mainly the source of food for koalas. While this is generally true, native eucalyptus trees in Australia survive very well on their own because they get all the nutrients they need from the soil. However, eucalyptus plants that are meant to grow in containers need a little plant food from time to time.
There are many different fertilizers that are available on the market, and it can be overwhelming to see all of them when you are looking for something specific. It's even more confusing when the labels have numbers on them and you are not quite sure what they mean. Because of this, we created a list of the best fertilizer you should use for your eucalyptus plants.
Some of these fertilizers can also be used on eucalyptus plants that are planted outdoors. Most of them, however, are better suited to use with container eucalyptus plants. Depending on where you have planted your eucalyptus, it is important to give them enough plant food to aid in growth since they are not in their native habitat.
1. The 10-10-10 Fertilizer
To make things simple when caring for eucalyptus plants, a well-balanced fertilizer is one of the best choices you can use. A balanced fertilizer is typically a good choice for eucalyptus plants because it gives the plant enough nutrients it needs for growth.
Since eucalyptus plants are not fond of high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, it's best to get a balanced fertilizer that is low in percentage. This will give the eucalyptus plants just enough plant food without burning the plant due to excessive nutrients from the fertilizer.
See this 10-10-10 fertilizer on Amazon.
You will usually find 10-10-10 fertilizers labeled as "all-purpose" just like most balanced fertilizers. Check the labels properly so that you'll get one that has a relatively low amount of nitrogen and phosphate in them. To use 10-10-10 fertilizers, simply mix the granules into the soil during planting, as well as the spring and summer months for mature plants.
2. Slow-release fertilizer
Eucalyptus plants in particular don't need fertilizer if they are planted in the soil outdoors. The eucalyptus plants in their native habitat of Australia generally adapt to the soil they are growing in, so they typically absorb whatever nutrients they can find. However, it is different if the eucalyptus plant is growing in containers.
Get this organic fertilizer on Amazon.
Slow-release fertilizers make it easier for the eucalyptus plants to absorb the nutrients they need into the soil without shocking their systems. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is best used on eucalyptus plants, and you should also hold off on fertilizing them during the fall and winter months.
Alternatively, you can also use a fertilizer that is specifically used for eucalyptus trees. This fertilizer is best used on eucalyptus trees in your garden, providing them with the necessary nutrients they need to help them become hardy during colder months.
Check out this eucalyptus fertilizer on TreeHelp.
3. Liquid fertilizer
If your eucalyptus plant is doing a little poorly in its container, you can help boost them by using liquid fertilizers. This kind of fertilizer provides nutrients to the plants in an easy-to-absorb manner. For those eucalyptus plants that need a little extra help, go for liquid fertilizers.
Grab this liquid fertilizer on Amazon.
This particular liquid fertilizer is low in nitrogen and phosphate, but high in potassium which eucalyptus plants love. To use liquid fertilizers, simply dilute the liquid in water and apply it to your eucalyptus plant. Make sure to pour the solution on the topsoil to saturate the base of the plant for best results.
4. High potassium fertilizer
The best time to feed your eucalyptus plants is during their active growing season. Eucalyptus plants like fertilizers that are low nitrogen, low phosphorus, and high potassium. If you are shopping around for fertilizer, make sure to look for a high potassium label on the bag.
Check out this high potassium fertilizer on Amazon.
High potassium fertilizer is common for helping plants create big blooms. However, they are also great for eucalyptus because this fertilizer helps the plant establish stronger roots and growth as a nutrient-loving plant. Potassium also helps the eucalyptus plant become more tolerable to drought, makes it hardy during winter, and prevents diseases and pests.
Most high potassium fertilizers come in granular form. If you are using this kind of fertilizer, you should not just sprinkle them on top of the soil to prevent high concentrations. Mix it into the soil by using a hand rake and allow it to go deep, around 2 or 3 inches below the surface. These fertilizer granules will slowly release nutrients into the soil as the plant grows.
How To Care For Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plants are quite hardy, so caring for them is pretty easy. The low-maintenance quality of these plants makes them great as indoor plants because you don't have to mind them too much except to water them. These plants are also very tough because they are quite resistant to pests and diseases.
To care for eucalyptus, there are just a few things that you have to consider. Eucalyptus plants grow fairly quickly, so if you are planting them in containers, a repotting should be in order every few years. This will allow the plant to grow healthy and the new soil will give the roots a fresh start.
It's also important to prune indoor eucalyptus plants because they tend to get unruly if left to grow. Fortunately, you should be able to find uses for these pruned leaves as decoration for your home or as a fresh-smelling air freshener.
Water the eucalyptus trees at least once a week. These plants do very well in drought, but indoor plants do not have the luxury of rain suddenly giving them water. The soil should be slightly moist and the container should have good drainage. If you miss watering your plant this week, it's okay! They can survive a little dry soil for a while, but water them when you have time.
What Are The Uses Of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plants are popular for their oil, which can be used in a variety of applications. For those who like using oils to treat certain ailments, eucalyptus oils offer great relief for coughs and colds because of the soothing smell. The leaves, bark, and roots are also common in astringent and antiseptic applications.
At home, you'll also notice that eucalyptus plants emit an aromatic scent that you can smell from their leaves. The very distinct, menthol-like fragrance is very soothing and popular with many air fresheners. You will also find that this relaxing scent can help decongest stuffy noses or a bad bout of cough.
If you love the refreshing smell, keep some oil or even a plant nearby to help relax you. Studies have shown that the scent of eucalyptus helps reduce anxiety and stress, so keep some eucalyptus on hand to give yourself some peace and relaxation after a long day.
The eucalyptus plant is also a great bug deterrent because its scent drives away a good number of bugs away from your home and other indoor plants. Not only are the eucalyptus leaves very attractive to look at, but they are also great for making your home fresh and bug-free.
Final Thoughts
Eucalyptus plants are very low maintenance, but growing them in containers will require them to have a little bit of help. While your eucalyptus plants won't need too much plant feed, it would still be a good idea to give them some fertilizers every once in a while. A well-growing eucalyptus will keep your home smelling fresh and you'll have a beautiful-looking indoor plant to enjoy.
Looking forward to planting your own eucalyptus tree? We have a couple of great articles you might enjoy: