From childhood, people know that the eucalyptus is the largest tree in the world. However, there are more than a dozen varieties of it, and only the regal one differs in such impressive sizes. The rest have much more modest parameters, although they still cannot be called miniature. Some species are widely represented in greenhouses and botanical gardens - eucalyptus flowers, and any, are very attractive and unusual. For amateur gardens, the plant is not very suitable, because it is still tropical and requires the maintenance of specific conditions. However, for indoor crop production, some species are still suitable. And they can often be found in apartments. The reason for acquiring and growing a tree is again eucalyptus flowers, which will decorate and diversify a home garden. True, it is not always possible to achieve such beauty from a plant, but there are still chances.
Charming bloom
What is a eucalyptus flower? While the bud is ripening, it is covered, like a cap, with lignified petals fused into a single whole. Hidden under this covergenus panicle of long and thin stamens. When ripe, eucalyptus flowers take off their cap and reveal to the world a whole lush mane of different shades - pink, yellow, white, fiery red. Actually, because of such an unusual flowering, the tree got its name: in Greek, “eu” means “beautiful”, and “calyptos” means “closed”, “closed”.
Origin
The birthplace of all varieties of eucalyptus is either Australia or Tasmania. All plants are similar: the shape of the crown is pyramidal, the leaves are greenish-gray, giving the impression of having a light coating. Interestingly, the foliage changes color and shape as it matures. Eucalyptus flower, fading, forms a box with seeds.
Among the species that can be cultivated at home, three varieties are worth mentioning:
- Ganna's Eucalyptus (in another transcription of Gunni, the scientific name is Eucalyptus gunnii).
- Lemon eucalyptus (botanically Eucalyptus citriodora).
- Globular (ball-shaped, spherical) eucalyptus, aka Eucalyptus globulus.
The principles of cultivation are approximately the same, although they have external differences.
Eucalyptus gunnii
This variety comes from Tasmania. In the wild, it grows up to thirty meters, at home - no higher than one and a half meters. At a young age, the tree has heart-shaped rounded bluish leaves up to four centimeters in length; in an adult - lanceolate, narrow, up to seven centimeters, densely green. Talking about a flowereucalyptus (photo above), it should be noted that its peduncle is flattened, and the flower bud is club-shaped. The fruits do not look like a box, but like a bell.
Eucalyptus citriodora
His homeland is Australia. There, a tree can grow up to 20 meters; when grown indoors, it usually does not reach above a meter and a quarter. Its leaves are longer, up to 15 centimeters, and narrow, with a distinct lemon flavor.
Eucalyptus globulus
At home, it is a tall, highly branched tree. In indoor growing conditions, it is a relatively low bush that needs to be systematically pinched and trimmed. In youth, the leaves are lanceolate, wide, with a wavy beautiful edge. In an adult tree, they bend like a sickle, stretch out and begin to resemble willow leaves. The bark of the globular eucalyptus rejuvenates every year, peeling off in patches, under which a new cover is formed. The fruits that produce eucalyptus flowers of this variety are spherical in shape and ripen for a very long time - up to two years.
Light and temperature
None of the eucalyptus species require special tropical conditions. In summer, 24 degrees during the day and 18 degrees at night are enough for him. In winter - about 15. It is quite acceptable to move the pots to the glazed balcony. As for light, the plant likes direct rays. West and southeast windows will suit him perfectly.
Water and fertilize
From spring to autumn, water is sufficient. The frequency of watering - how the top layer of soil dries up, to a depth of a thirdpot. In winter, watering is more rare: after the specified volume dries up, they wait another half a week. Eucalyptus trees do not need moisture, they do not require spraying.
During the growing season, eucalyptus is fed every two weeks with complex universal fertilizers. During the dormant period (starting in September), feeding is stopped.
Growth Features
It is worth considering that all eucalyptus trees are fast-growing plants. Despite the fact that in room conditions their development slows down somewhat, the pace remains impressive. However, at first, the tree has only a very thin, brittle twig. So that it has time to get stronger and not break under its own weight, when it reaches a height of a third of a meter, the cuttings are tied to a support and pinched to limit growth and stimulate branching.
The rest of the tree does not cause much trouble. And if you manage to get an amazing eucalyptus flower on a grown cutting, your home garden will sparkle with wonderful colors.
