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Eucalyptus

Why is my eucalyptus losing its leaves?

It is less common for a healthy eucalyptus to drop leaves, so this usually points to a sudden change in its environment. Check your watering schedule first, as these plants are very sensitive to moisture levels.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
  2. Check the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Observe the light levels in your plant's current spot.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves may turn yellow or brown before falling off, and the soil stays wet for a long time.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape. In the future, only water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

  2. Insufficient Light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks sparse and the stems become long and thin as they reach for more light.

    What to do: Move your eucalyptus to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, a south facing window is usually best. Avoid placing it in dark corners or rooms without direct sunlight.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eucalyptus

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for a few old leaves to drop occasionally, but losing large amounts of foliage at once is a sign of stress. If the plant is losing leaves from the bottom up, it is likely a watering issue.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the plant gets plenty of direct sunlight every day.

Eucalyptus: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eucalyptus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will my eucalyptus grow new leaves?
Yes, if you fix the underlying issue, the plant will eventually push out new growth. Be patient as it recovers.
Does my eucalyptus need fertilizer?
Eucalyptus generally does not need much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually enough.

More problems with Eucalyptus

Back to the Eucalyptus guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.