Complete care information is available in our Guide to Eucalyptus Houseplants.

Keep in mind that your plant will have been stressed by its journey to you in a box. It will have had no light or water for a period of time and it may have been exposed to high heat or chill (or both). It will take a period of time to become acclimated to its new environment and to recover from the journey. In October, we are also entering a period of slow growth for most plants. Your plant is unlikely to put out new leaves or growth until it enters a growing phase in spring. Until then, the best thing that you can do it to keep it as stable as possible, give it ideal care and not make too many changes. Here is the care it needs.

Strong direct light is crucial to maintaining good health for a eucalyptus plant. You also need to take care not to under- or over-water. Water thoroughly when you give it water, until water comes out of the bottom drain hole. Then let the top 1/3 of the soil dry out before you water again. If it is hard to judge soil moisture, a water meter stuck down into the soil may help you get a good care routine established.

The right planting container is important too. If the container doesn't have a drain hole, or if the saucer under the plant isn't emptied after watering, the root system will stay too wet.

If you can get the full watering and careful drying routine well established, along with sun, your plant should stabilize. You should protect the plant from further environmental stress by keeping it away from heating vents, cold window drafts and air conditioning blasts. Hopefully with some patience and gentle care the plant will begin to look more vigorous and you will see new growth in spring.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service