Eucalyptus can be easily cultivated in a balcony box, provided the right conditions are met. The plant prefers a full-sun location, ideally a south-facing balcony, and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The Eucalyptus gunnii variety is particularly suitable for container plants. It stands out for its round, silver-green leaves and intense fragrance.
It tolerates temperatures down to -10°C, making it relatively hardy. Eucalyptus cinerea and Eucalyptus pulchella are also considered hardy species suitable for cold regions. A large, well-drained planter with a drainage hole is essential to avoid waterlogging, which can damage the plant. A drainage layer of expanded clay in the pot is recommended. The soil should be well-drained, rich in humus, and slightly acidic; special rhododendron or hydrangea soil is suitable for this.
The plant should be repotted immediately upon arrival into a suitable container, ensuring the root ball is completely covered with soil. During the growth period in spring and summer, the plant requires a high water requirement; in summer, daily watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist without waterlogging. Low-lime water, such as rainwater, is preferable, as eucalyptus is sensitive to lime. Weekly fertilization with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer in summer and a change to a potassium-rich fertilizer in autumn promotes healthy growth.
In winter, the plant should be overwintered in a bright, cool location with temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius, requiring moderate watering. Regular pruning in March promotes bushy growth and helps maintain the desired shape; branches can be shortened by up to one-third. Dead or diseased shoots should be removed. The cut branches can be used for decoration in vases or to scent the bathroom. Eucalyptus is not suitable as a houseplant because it requires too much light, but cut branches are good for interior decoration.
