Glacier Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunnii 'Glacier') is a small tree or shrub native to Australia, prized for its silvery blue-green foliage and refreshing fragrance. Its leaves are round when young and become more elongated as they mature. The foliage gives off a pleasant eucalyptus scent when crushed, making it a popular choice for bouquets, flower arrangements, and even to repel insects.
Outdoors, Eucalyptus Glacier can grow several metres tall, but in pots or indoors, it generally remains smaller and is easy to prune to control its growth. It brings an exotic and elegant touch to gardens and well-lit interior spaces.
Light : Eucalyptus Glacier likes bright, direct light. Place it in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Indoors, place it near a sunny window.
Watering : Watering should be regular but moderate. Keep the soil slightly moist, but make sure it is well drained. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially in winter when the plant is less active. If the plant is in a pot, avoid allowing water to stagnate in the saucer.
Humidity : Although eucalyptus prefers a rather dry environment, it can tolerate moderate humidity conditions. No need to mist the leaves, as it prefers well-ventilated air.
Temperature : This cultivar is relatively cold hardy compared to other eucalyptus varieties. It tolerates temperatures down to -10°C, making it a good choice for temperate climates. Indoors, it prefers an ambient temperature between 15 and 24°C.
Substrate : Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. A mixture of outdoor plant soil with sand or perlite can improve drainage. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent excess moisture.
Fertilization : Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). No need to fertilize in fall and winter.
Repotting : Repot eucalyptus every 1-2 years, as it can quickly become cramped. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage, and do this in early spring.
Pruning : Prune regularly to control the size and shape of the tree, especially indoors. Pruning can also stimulate the production of young, round leaves, which are often more decorative.
Propagation : Eucalyptus is propagated by seed, but this is a lengthy process. For faster propagation, you can try cuttings by taking young shoots and rooting them in moist substrate, although this can be tricky.
Toxicity : Eucalyptus leaves are slightly toxic to pets if ingested, so it is advisable to keep the plant out of their reach.
The Eucalyptus Glacier is a perfect plant to bring a Mediterranean touch to your outdoor spaces or to serve as an ornamental tree indoors.
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