How Long Does A Eucalyptus Tree Live?
From a candle scented with Eucalyptus oil to Eucalyptus tea or hanging a leafy Eucalyptus onto your front door, you may be familiar with Eucalyptus in one form or another. If you have been acquainted with Eucalyptus growing tall in the woodlands or skies, you may be astonished that these beautiful plants can also be grown indoors.
Potted Eucalyptus makes for a visually appealing and fragrant site. However, Eucalyptus can be more than any other inclusion in your horticulture collection.
There are more than 800 species of Eucalyptus, and not one of them is cold tolerant. Eucalyptus are fast-growing, tall plants that can grow up to 60 to 80-feet the outdoors. Some varieties even grow to 200-feet.
Jump To
- Identifying a Eucalyptus tree
- How Old Do Eucalyptus Trees Live?
- What Kills A Eucalyptus Tree?
- What Is The Oldest Eucalyptus Tree?
- When Do Eucalyptus Trees Bloom?
- Is Eucalyptus Bad For The Environment?
- What Is The Disadvantage Of The Eucalyptus Tree?
- Eucalyptus Tree Age – FAQs
Surprisingly, there are no higher trees in the world than Eucalyptus. The world’s tallest known tree, Eucalyptus amygdalin, can grow up to 480-feet. They can grow up to 125-feet in only three years.
But, of course, in a home environment, its growth remains curtailed. However, you can still see the plant growing up to six to ten feet. Native to Australia, these are evergreen plants with aromatic leaves.
It grows only in US Hardiness Zone from eight through eleven. The big question is, how long does a Eucalyptus tree live? This guide will discuss the Eucalyptus lifespan and the other vitalities you must know about the Eucalyptus plant.
Identifying a Eucalyptus tree
We understand the guide is about the Eucalyptus tree lifespan, but before you learn how old do Eucalyptus trees live, you must know the ways and means to identify a Eucalyptus tree.
Most of you may know of Eucalyptus from its unique relationship with the koala, while others identify it as a gum tree. However, the gum tree is only one of the many species of the Eucalyptus.
The primary standout feature of any Eucalyptus tree is its aromatic leaves, but its visually appealing growth can also make it easier to identify some varieties. The oil extracted from the tree has several medicinal benefits, but it can be toxic for pets and humans if ingested in higher quantities.
People use Eucalyptus oil in machinery. Its aromatic fragrance also makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes. Some people find it easier to identify Eucalyptus with these physical attributes.
However, there are more detailed and in-depth aspects to identifying a Eucalyptus confidently.
1. Leaves
Eucalyptus is a massive tree. Despite that, it is not the plant that offers respite from hot, summery heat. There is no shade underneath the Eucalyptus. It is because it has vertical leaves that alternate on the branches where it grows.
If you look closely, the leaves are pointed and long. They have a leathery texture with smooth sides. You can inhale them, and there is a particular scent that may seem familiar to many. Yes, it is the same Eucalyptus oil that you may have sniffed in your candles and perfumes.
2. Barks
Some people can conveniently identify a Eucalyptus from its barks. It may be either the Stringy Bark or the Iron Bark Species. Ideally, the bark is reddish-brown and smooth on touch. It peels away easily. Most varieties of Eucalyptus shed their barks annually, resulting in beautiful patterns on the trunk.
3. Buds
Buds sit together in a bundle towards the end of the stalk. They are flowers waiting to open, and you can find them in all shapes and sizes. They may be smooth, hairy, scurfy, bumpy, or warty.
4. Flowers
Eucalyptus flowers do not have petals. You will see fluffy hairs or flower stamens. Stamens have anther stalks in them, which gives the flowers their color – pink, red, lemon, yellow, cream, or white.
5. Fruits
Eucalyptus has woody capsule-like, small fruits. Horticulture experts call it the gum nut. However, from the inside, it is dry and has seeds. Fruits grow till they finally open up, discarding seeds. You can find the fruit in different varieties like bells, barrels, urns, and cups.
6. Seeds
The seeds are tiny and go up to 3mm long and may be in different hues like yellow, red, grey, brown, or black. They may have varying shapes, like ovoid, D-shaped, boat-shaped, pyramidal, or saucer-shaped.
How Long Does A Eucalyptus Tree Live?
Answering how old do Eucalyptus trees live – the Eucalyptus plant lifespan is pretty long. Most species have a long lifespan and can go on for over 25 decades (200+ years) in the wild. Gum species – Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, lives even longer, and the plant can survive about 500 to 1000 years.
What Kills A Eucalyptus Tree?
Studies suggest that problems with Eucalyptus care have always been a rare occurrence. In 1860, Eucalyptus entered the United States, and till 1990, the plant experienced barely any concerns. It remained disease and pest-free.
However, today, more and more people experience issues with their Eucalyptus trees. Such problems are still predominant in indoor Eucalyptus growers. Of course, some diseases and pests kill the plant, but most people shorten the Eucalyptus tree age by exposing it to insufficient care.
Here, we will discuss everything that intervenes with the Eucalyptus plant lifespan and what you should do to enhance how old do Eucalyptus trees live.
1. Poor soil
Plant it in well-draining soil to help it lead to its optimum Eucalyptus lifespan. If the soil naturally lacks a proper drainage system, you can add a potting mix to it. Poor drainage can cause root rotting and ceases Eucalyptus tree growth & age.
2. Underwatering
Eucalyptus plants are pretty forgiving. Native to arid climates, the plant can go on for long periods without water. But for it to thrive and reach optimum Eucalyptus tree lifespan, the Eucalyptus houseplants need sufficient water.
If your water is inadequate, the soil will be dry, resulting in dropping leaves at the tip of the branches. Thus, to ensure that you do not interfere with the Eucalyptus plant lifespan, keep it hydrated.
3. Improper nutrition
Most Eucalyptus plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. However, some species need a high feed for their foliage and vastly spread roots. It can hamper the Eucalyptus tree growth. So, it is best to use a well-balanced, slow-releasing fertilizer, especially during the growing season. Alternatively, you can also use a liquid fertilizer.
4. Overwatering
Similar to underwatering, even overwatering can alter the Eucalyptus tree age. The tree goes through wet and dry phases because of rain and heat when growing in the wild. So, even when rain overwaters the plant, the heat can soak it all up.
But, indoors, if you overwater the plant, it causes root rotting and other issues. You can spot yellowing leaves as a prevalent sign of overwatering. If you do not take timely remedial action, you can lower the Eucalyptus tree lifespan.
5. High humidity
As the Eucalyptus plant comes from arid regions, excessive humidity is not suitable for the Eucalyptus lifespan. It may make the leaves yellow. So, move to the spot with less humidity. Avoid kitchens and bathrooms where humidity is naturally high.
6. Overexposing or underexposing to the sun
You can also play with Eucalyptus tree age by overexposing or underexposing it to the sun. The full sun shall not be problematic when you plant it in the ground. But, potted plants, even if outdoors, tend to dry out faster. Hence, during the afternoon hours, when the sun’s rays are harsh, it could do with some shade.
To undo the damage and ensure you do not intervene with the Eucalyptus tree lifespan, you must expose the plant to proper lighting conditions.
7. Wrong pot size
Eucalyptus trees have a long life and grow very tall. It has vastly spread roots to accommodate its giant size. If you do not plant them in the correct container, you intervene with the Eucalyptus lifespan.
So, initially, you must plant them in a huge container. Also, consider repotting, ever once a year. Some species may need repotting twice or thrice a year.
8. Extreme cold exposure
Cold weather ceases the Eucalyptus plant lifespan, and it can only survive in US hardiness eight through eleven. It enjoys warm weather, usually between 65 and 75 degrees. So, if the temperature drops below 50 degrees, it kills the plant. If you do not want to affect the Eucalyptus tree, you must bring the plant indoors when it is cold outside. If you cannot get the plant indoors, consider wintering the eucalyptus plant.
9. Diseases
Two prevalent diseases amongst Eucalyptus are bacterial and fungal rots. These cause root rots, and you may see brown spots appearing on the plant’s stems or leaves. You can treat them with a topical fungicide. If the root rot is severe, consider repotting the plant in fresh soil.
10. Pests infestation
Eucalyptus plant’s natural oils do well at warding off the pests, but there may be some unwanted pests occasionally. These eat the roots and influence the Eucalyptus tree age. So, as soon as you spot pests, use neem oil or thoroughly wash the plant with mild dish soap. If it does not help, you can use insecticides.
What Is The Oldest Eucalyptus Tree?
You can understand how long does a Eucalyptus tree live from the oldest eucalyptus tree. The oldest eucalyptus lifespan is said to be 13000 years.
When Do Eucalyptus Trees Bloom?
Typically, the red-flowering Eucalyptus blooms in the summer, but some may sporadically bloom across the year.
Is Eucalyptus Bad For The Environment?
Unfortunately, Eucalyptus may not be the best plant choice for most environments. It is a water guzzler, meaning it drinks all the water from the soil, leaving it insufficient for other plants growing in its vicinity.
Further, it also makes the soil acidic, which may be harmful to others. In addition, the Eucalyptus plant may release some compounds, which may be bad for other growing trees.
What Is The Disadvantage Of The Eucalyptus Tree?
All of us know about the many medicinal benefits of Eucalyptus. However, it also has some severe side effects. It might cause an allergic reaction in the body. Further, if people do not use it as directed, they may experience severe consequences. A few noted side effects include:
- The leaves cause a burning sensation in the eyes.
- Using non-diluted oil can have severe implications.
- Some people experience a burning sensation or irritation with the leaves. People with sensitive skin face skin irritation from the plant.
- Those with allergies must use the medicine plant strictly as directed.
- Oral oil consumption may be lethal.
- The leaves are not safe for children and infants.
- Direct leaf consumption can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Its consumption during pregnancy is also prohibited.
- Some experience feelings of suffocation and dizziness by taking Eucalyptus tree medicine.
Eucalyptus Tree Age: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. Is Eucalyptus tree farming profitable?
Ans. Yes, the eucalyptus tree farming is a profitable business.
Ques 2. Does Eucalyptus make good firewood?
Ans. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice for firewood.
Ques 3. How long do blue gum Eucalyptus trees live?
Ans. These species have a lifespan of over two centuries.
Ques 4. How Long Does a Eucalyptus Tree Live Once Cut?
Ans. Once cut, the Eucalyptus can last about three weeks.
Ques 5. How Long Does Eucalyptus Last in a Vase/pot?
Ans. In a vase or pot, the Eucalyptus lifespan is of about three weeks.
Ques 6. Can You Preserve Eucalyptus?
Ans. Yes, you can preserve the Eucalyptus by keeping it in a dry, cool, and dark spot. It should be away from any direct sunlight. Eucalyptus takes about two to six weeks to dry wholly. You can check every few days for progress.
Ques 7. How Do You Store Cut Eucalyptus?
Ans. You can store the cut Eucalyptus in a jar or vase. Alternatively, you can also hang it in the shower or around the home for aromatherapy.
Ques 8. What is special about the leaves of a Eucalyptus tree?
Ans. Eucalyptus leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants, and they shield the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Ques 9. What is Eucalyptus oil used for?
Ans. Eucalyptus oil has medicinal properties and is used as an essential oil. It helps cure several common conditions and diseases like asthma and nasal congestion. The oil also works as a tick repellent. People with skin ulcers and arthritis can use dried Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil also helps with respiratory diseases. Some degree of it is in mouthwashes. The oil also has aromatherapy benefits.
Ques 10. Does Eucalyptus grow back every year?
Ans. Outdoor Eucalyptus plants drop their leaves during hard frost. It does not kill the plant, and leaves regrow during the spring.
