Table of contents
- Pruning is allowed
- The ideal time for pruning
- Instructions for pruning
- Don't cut roots
- root cause analysis
- optimize living conditions
- frequently asked Questions
When a eucalyptus dries up, some owners immediately think of cutting it back. Because they want to see fresh green bud quickly. The chances of that happening may be good. But one thing must not be left out: research into the causes! Otherwise a new cycle of drying up and cutting begins.
Pruning is allowed
If your eucalyptus has dried up, you can cut it back. Because the dried leaves will never turn green again. silvery. It is possible that some branches have already dried up, in which case pruning is mandatory anyway. This not only solves an optical problem, but also stimulates the plant to grow again. Eucalyptus is considered to be very tolerant of pruning, not only sprout quickly after pruning, but often grows more vigorously than before.
Tip:
If the eucalyptus has dry leaves and you are not yet considering pruning, at least remove these dry specimens promptly. Otherwise they will eventually fall to the ground and can promote mold after watering.
The ideal time for pruning
The eucalyptus originally comes from Australia and other nearby islands. It is used to the warmth there, which it also gets all year round as a houseplant in this country. If such a eucalyptus has dried up, you can cut it back at any time of the year. It also doesn't make sense to wait a long time before doing so, because the recovery should set in quickly. If a eucalyptus is cultivated outside, it is better to wait until spring with larger prunings. Then its growth power is activated and, in connection with warmer days, it quickly starts to sprout again.
Tip:
You can also remove individual dried leaves and shoots outdoors from time to time.
Instructions for pruning
- Choose a pruning tool that matches the thickness of the branches.
- Check that the blades are well sharpened. If necessary, sharpen them.
- Clean and disinfect the cutting tool.
- Prune shoot by shoot to the desired height until all dead shoots are removed.
- Examine the "new" crown of the plant from all sides.
- Then also shorten healthy branches if it makes sense for a harmonious, balanced appearance of the crown.
Don't cut roots
The above-ground reduction of the shoots should not be continued at the roots. No matter how much of your eucalyptus you cut back, leave the roots untouched.
root cause analysis
The eucalyptus is evergreen, so there must be a cause for dead leaves that needs to be found and fixed! Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before the problem occurs again. Only if a eucalyptus spends the winter outside, it will get dry foliage and shed it to reduce evaporation. This can be accepted as a natural reaction that will be resolved with spring pruning. In all other cases, check whether the following is present:
- lack of water
- waterlogging
- too dark location
- nutrient deficiency
- Root problems (pests/small pot)
A notice:
Waterlogging not only causes the leaves to dry out, but also causes the roots to rot. In such a case, a pruning will bring little success. The entire plant usually dies.
optimize living conditions
After the investigation into the cause has been completed and Even the pruning has already taken place, you should optimize inconsistent living conditions of the eucalyptus in the final step.
- place bright and sunny, without direct midday sun
- use plant lamps in winter
- water constantly, often and in smaller amounts
- the sunnier and drier it is, the more
- at least Fertilize once a week, every three weeks in winter
- repot regularly
- always create a drainage layer
frequently asked Questions
As part of normal care, eucalyptus should always be cut in the spring. This is the time that encourages new growth best, as it is followed by many warm, light months.
The dried leaves can be used to prepare an aromatic tea, which also relieves the symptoms of a cold. After plucking the leaves from the shoots, let them air dry for a short time so that they lose any remaining moisture. After that, you can store them well and gradually use them up.
In addition to watering as needed, it can also help to repot the eucalyptus in expanded clay. It stores water and releases it again evenly.
Mandy
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