A plant like indoor eucalyptus known for secreting phytoncides. These special substances are capable of destroying bacteria in the air, while a person can feel that breathing has become much easier. And this plant is also used to prepare remedies for various diseases of the respiratory tract and throat.
This plant is directly related to the myrtle family. It was first raised in Australia. Eucalyptus is a spectacular small, rather compact tree that has a pyramidal shape. It is a slow-growing plant, and the foliage is colored in an unusual green-blue color. The surface of the leaves is shiny and smooth, as if there is a wax layer on it. Homemade eucalyptus stands out for the fact that its leaves change with age. So, young oval leaves are quite soft and have a specific aroma. Older foliage has a more elongated shape, it is dense and does not have such a strong smell. Eucalyptus has a strong aroma, as there is a large amount of essential oil in its leaves. In nature, this plant grows up to 150 centimeters in height, while in indoor conditions it is much lower. The flowers are single in structure, and the fruits are box-shaped.
Content
Growing features
To grow eucalyptus indoors, you need to know some rules. So, the best suited for this are species such as Eucalyptus gunnii and lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora). They can be grown from both seedlings and seeds, which are quite possible to purchase at a flower shop. Despite the small size of the seeds, their germination rate is high.
To get started, prepare clay pots and fill them with an equal proportion of sand and earth. The earth is first slightly moistened, and then seeds are sown on its surface. You need to maintain a temperature of 18 degrees. Watering is not necessary for the first four days after sowing. The first shoots, as a rule, appear already 5–10 days after sowing. Seedlings during this period need special care. Water them carefully so as not to overflow, and you also need to regularly ventilate the room.
Grown seedlings (3 centimeters), with young leaves that have appeared, should be dived into different pots. To do this, you need to take containers that are 10 centimeters wide and 15 centimeters high. Transplant carefully, as delicate roots can be easily damaged. After transplanting, watering should not be done for 4 days.Then watering should be moderate and daily. After 3 weeks, the plants will already get stronger, and they can be planted in permanent pots.
Caring for indoor eucalyptus at home
Illumination
Light-loving plant. It is recommended to place it near a window with a south or south-east orientation.
Temperature regime
In summer and autumn, it feels good at a temperature of 16-18 degrees, and in winter - 12-15 degrees.
How to water
Water should be abundant in the spring and autumn, and moderately in the winter. Overflowing, as well as overdrying the soil, is undesirable, because this can lead to the fact that the upper part of the shoots begins to dry. You do not need to spray the eucalyptus.
Top dressing
You need to feed it 2 times a month. For this, special vitamin and mineral complexes for indoor plants are used.
Transplant features
Young plants are transplanted once a year, adults - once every 2-3 years. The pot should be chosen not very large, otherwise it negatively affects the roots of the eucalyptus. The soil mixture for planting consists of leaf, peat and sod land, as well as sand, taken in a ratio of 1: 1: 2: 1.
Diseases and pests
Resistant to disease. Shield aphids can settle and spider mite... To combat them, it is recommended to use special purchased products.
Video review
