Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for moisture.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels soggy and the leaves turn yellow or brown while drooping. The base of the stem may feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a well draining mix with perlite.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot might lack sufficient drainage holes at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large holes at the bottom. Elevate the pot on bricks to allow air to circulate underneath.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the stem base is mushy or the roots look black and slimy, the plant is likely beyond saving. Act fast if you see yellowing leaves.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Use a gritty, fast draining potting mix designed for trees.
Eucalyptus: root rot? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh soil. If the rot has reached the stem, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil dryness before adding more water.
More problems with Eucalyptus
- Why are there holes in my eucalyptus leaves?
- Why is my eucalyptus plant growing so leggy?
- Why are my eucalyptus leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are my eucalyptus leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my eucalyptus plant drooping?
- Why is my eucalyptus losing its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my eucalyptus leaves?
- Why are my eucalyptus leaves curling?
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.