May
Ever stood in a garden center, holding a cute eucalyptus plant, and asked yourself, “Can I really grow this indoors?” You’re not alone. Many plant lovers—especially folks living in apartments or in colder U.S. states—wonder if eucalyptus can thrive inside.
The good news? Yes, you can grow eucalyptus indoors. But it’s not your typical low-maintenance houseplant. Think of it like raising a puppy that loves the sun and fresh air—it’s adorable and totally worth it, but you’ll need to show it some love.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right eucalyptus variety to the best tips and tricks for keeping it alive (and thriving) in your living room. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a curious newbie, this guide has your back.
Read more: How to Grow Eucalyptus Plant
Is It Really Possible to Grow Eucalyptus Indoors?
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes, if you can mimic the conditions eucalyptus plants love in the wild. These Aussie natives are used to soaking up sun, breathing fresh air, and stretching their roots in well-drained soil. Bringing them indoors means doing a little bit of plant parenting magic.
Here’s what makes eucalyptus a bit of a diva indoors:
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It grows fast. Like, really fast.
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It needs tons of light.
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It’s not thrilled with soggy soil or cramped roots.
But if you have a sunny window (ideally south-facing), a roomy pot, and a little patience, you’re already halfway there.
Best Eucalyptus Varieties for Indoor Growing
Not all eucalyptus types are suited for cozy living rooms. Some grow into towering trees, which is obviously not ideal for your kitchen corner. Here are a few indoor-friendly stars:
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Eucalyptus cinerea (Silver Dollar Eucalyptus) – Compact, stylish, and smells like a spa. Perfect for tabletops or near windows.
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Eucalyptus gunnii (Cider Gum) – Great if your home gets a bit cooler. This one is hardy and grows a bit slower indoors.
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Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum) – Super fragrant and fast-growing. Needs pruning love and plenty of space.
These varieties don’t just look good—they bring major mood-lifting aromas and can even help purify your indoor air.
What Conditions Do Indoor Eucalyptus Plants Need?
This is where the magic happens. Getting the right environment is key to success. Here’s your indoor eucalyptus checklist:
Light
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Needs 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. These plants are total sun worshippers.
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South-facing windows are gold—they give the most consistent, intense light throughout the day.
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Got a home with low natural light, especially in winter? Grab a full-spectrum grow light. Trust me, it’s a game changer. Your plant will thank you by staying bushy and green.
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Rotate the plant every few days to prevent it from leaning toward the light source.
Insider tip: Without enough light, eucalyptus can get leggy and weak. More light = healthier, stronger stems and fuller foliage.
Temperature and Humidity
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Eucalyptus loves warmth. Keep your indoor temps between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day.
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It’s tolerant of normal household humidity levels, so no need to mist or run a humidifier.
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Try to avoid placing your plant near drafty windows, AC vents, or radiators. Sudden temperature changes can stress it out.
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During cooler months, just make sure it stays away from chilly areas like entryways or unheated rooms.
Soil and Container
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Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably something labeled for cactus or succulents. Add in some perlite, coarse sand, or small bark chips to really boost airflow to the roots.
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Your pot must have drainage holes. Sitting in water is a no-go for eucalyptus. It’s a root rot magnet.
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Choose a sturdy container that allows room to grow. Eucalyptus grows fast, and it hates being root-bound.
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Expect to repot about once a year, usually in spring when it starts putting out new growth.
Tip: Line the bottom of the pot with small stones or broken terracotta pieces to enhance drainage and prevent soggy soil.
Read more: 3 Essential Steps for Soil Preparation
How to Grow Eucalyptus Indoors
Okay, now let’s talk care. Eucalyptus isn’t a “set it and forget it” plant. But it’s not that complicated either.
Watering
Watering eucalyptus indoors is all about balance. It’s easy to overdo it or forget entirely, so here’s what to keep in mind:
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Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in the soil—if it feels dry, go ahead and water.
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When you water, do it thoroughly. Let the water run through the pot and out the drainage holes.
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Never let your eucalyptus sit in a saucer full of water. This can quickly lead to root rot.
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Not watering enough? You’ll start to see crisp, brown edges on the leaves.
Pro tip: If you’re forgetful or super busy, consider using a moisture meter. It takes the guesswork out of watering.
Fertilizing
Your eucalyptus doesn’t need to eat all the time, but a little boost during its growing months helps it look its best:
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In spring and summer, feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Look for something labeled 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
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During fall and winter, when your eucalyptus goes into a resting phase, skip the fertilizer entirely.
Natural options? You can also use diluted compost tea or fish emulsion. Just go easy on the strength to avoid leaf burn.
Pruning
This step is key if you don’t want your eucalyptus turning into an indoor tree:
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Prune regularly to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Focus on cutting just above a leaf node (where leaves sprout).
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Don’t be afraid to trim back aggressively in early spring. This refreshes the plant and makes it fuller.
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Snip off any yellowing, browning, or droopy leaves to keep it tidy and reduce pest attraction.
Bonus: Save the cut stems! You can dry them and use them in vases or in your bathroom for that famous eucalyptus shower steam effect.
Extra TLC
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Rotate the pot every week to ensure even exposure to light. This keeps it growing upright instead of leaning.
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Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every couple of weeks. Dust blocks sunlight and can clog the plant’s natural breathing pores (called stomata).
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Check for pests while cleaning. Spider mites and aphids can sneak in when the air gets too dry or when your plant is stressed.
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Provide support as it grows. A bamboo stake or small trellis can help train the plant and prevent toppling.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with the best care, eucalyptus might throw a tantrum. Here’s what to watch for:
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Yellowing leaves? You might be overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings.
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Sparse or leggy growth? Not enough light. Move it to a sunnier spot or add a grow light.
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Drooping plant? Check the roots. It could be root-bound or thirsty.
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Pests? Rare indoors, but spider mites or aphids can show up. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Quick fix kit: Neem oil, pruning scissors, moisture meter, and a bright window.
Why You Should Grow Eucalyptus Indoors
Let’s get to the fun part. Why even bother growing eucalyptus indoors?
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Air purification: Like snake plants and peace lilies, eucalyptus helps clean the air.
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Aromatherapy: That spa-like scent? It’s natural. No plug-ins needed.
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Mood booster: Its calming aroma can help reduce stress and clear the mind.
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Stylish AF: Those round, silvery-blue leaves look amazing in any space.
And hey, you can even snip a few stems to use in DIY bouquets or hang in the shower for an aromatic steam.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
If something seems off, start here:
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Leaves turning brown at tips? Dry air. Mist occasionally or move away from heating vents.
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Still drooping after watering? May be overwatered or the roots need more room.
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Not growing at all? Time to repot or boost the light.
Pro tip: Keep a simple plant journal to track watering and sunlight patterns. It’ll help you catch issues early.
FAQs
Can eucalyptus grow without direct sunlight indoors?
Technically yes, but it won’t thrive. Eucalyptus loves bright, direct light, so if natural sunlight is limited, a grow light is essential to keep it healthy.
How often should I water my indoor eucalyptus plant?
About once a week works for most homes, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water—overwatering is a common mistake.
What size pot is best for growing eucalyptus indoors?
Start with an 8-10 inch pot and size up as your plant grows. A roomy pot with drainage helps prevent root rot and encourages healthy growth.
Can indoor eucalyptus plants survive in winter?
Yes, as long as they stay warm and well-lit. Keep them away from cold drafts and consider a grow light if sunlight is scarce.
Final Thoughts
So, can you grow eucalyptus indoors? Absolutely. With the right setup and some plant-parenting patience, you can turn your living room into a mini eucalyptus haven.
Here’s the deal: It takes light, love, and a little learning. But the reward? A stunning, fragrant plant that brings a breath of fresh air into your home (literally).
And if you’re curious about other plants that bring beauty and wellness indoors, don’t miss our guides on indoor herbs, low-maintenance houseplants, and container gardening tips for beginners.
Happy planting, friend!
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