How to Grow Eucalyptus: From Seeds to Trees

About Eucalyptus

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has dreamed of having fresh eucalyptus hanging from their showerheads in the bathroom. It’s pretty fair to have this Pinterest-reality dream, right? Eucalyptus is probably one of the most relaxing smells out there, and in my opinion, one of the most delicate and calming trees to own.

There are sooo many uses for eucalyptus. So if you are someone that has “too many plants,” this one definitely has some justifications behind it that just might be reason enough to ignore your plant limit for the month.

There are many studies and research that have proven the health benefits of this plant. The National Library of Medicine, Medical News Today, and Very Well Health are just a few who published articles with the lists of the benefits. In my case, I am most worried about that fresh-smelling shower that takes away my stuffy nose, having a mosquito-free living space, and watching a new plant in my collection grow from seeds to trees.

Finding the Materials

Personally, I have found that Eucalyptus trees are hard to find in my area. The only thing I could find anything other than cut and dried branches was seeds on Etsy. So I decided to purchase a few from a shop called EnchantedDreamerCo. The specific ones that I bought were listed as
“20 Organic Eucalyptus Silver Drop seeds, Indoor House Plant, Globulus Silverdrop.” There are many other Etsy shops that also sell similar products, but I found this shop to be the most reasonably priced. It shipped in good time and came with detailed directions on how to germinate the seeds.

After some additional research, I found that most websites and videos had similar instructions as my seed directions came with.

Step One: Soil and Pot

To start the germination process, I started with a small nursery pot of potting mix. I currently don’t have access to perlite, but I would recommend making your own potting soil with perlite and other nutrient-dense mixes. Airy soils are usually the best option, as the roots are able to reach more oxygen. After filling the pot nearly to the top, I watered the soil.

Step Two: Seed Placement

If you have never seen eucalyptus seeds, or silver drop eucalyptus seeds, they are extremely small. There was no way that I would be able to pick up the seeds to put them anywhere, and they were so light that they wouldn’t even move when I flipped my hand over; the slightest bit of moisture on my hands wouldn’t let them budge.

I found that using tweezers worked really well and let me place each seed individually where I wanted them to go. Using this method, I evenly put each seed into the nursery pot. I then covered the seeds with a very light layer of soil: about 1/8 of an inch.

Step 3: Setting up the Proper Environment

After successfully potting them, it’s important to set them up for success. Germinating seeds love fairly wet soil and a warm, humid, and bright environment. To mimic this, I placed a pebble tray into the bottom of a gallon-sized ziplock bag, filled the tray with water, and put the nursery pot right on top. After a quick misting, I sealed the bag (leaving about an inch or two of the bag unsealed. Then, I put it in front of a south-facing window with bright, direct sunlight. I am currently in winter when potting this, so I put mine a few feet back from the window to prevent it from getting cold. My example is pictured below.

Step 4: Maintenance

This mini-ecosystem will provide the germinating seeds with a bright light, humid, and warm environment to grow. After a few days, I will the pebble tray up again with water, to ensure that the bag maintains its moisture and humidity levels while the soil is consistently moist.

This pebble tray method allows the soil to absorb only what the plant needs and prevent the seeds from being overwatered. As many plant parents know, this is one the easiest killers to a plant.

Good Luck!

I will post updates on this germination process as they arrive, but it’s easy to join me! This process is very very easy, and I hope some of you try this process out as well. Once the seeds sprout, the plant is even easier to maintain.

Before you know it, this fast-growing plant is going to be sprouting new branches for you to clip and hang in the shower or make some lotion with. Only takes a few weeks, some water, and a little sunlight.

Thanks for reading!

SIMPLY PLANTY LIFE