Eucalyptus Tree in Tub on Patio

Question

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have a 2 year old Eucalyptus Tree 8ft to 9ft tall, in a plastic tub 18in high x 20in Wide containing general purpose compost in a southerly well protected position on my Patio, which was in a very very healthy condition with Silvery Green leaves all round the tree.

About 10 days ago I noticed that the tree was starting to shed its outer thin layer of bark leaving a light fawn trunk beneath. The next thing I noticed was that the inner leaves of the tree were turning Golden Brown and dropping off the tree (the outer leaves still look very Silvery Green and healthy).

About 4 days ago I fed and watered the compost with Miracle Grow as I have always done, and noticed that the compost was very tight with root growth around the tub, and therefore loosened the compost about 6in deep all round the tub, but this does not have seemed to stop the bark or the leaves from continuing to turn brown and dropping from the tree.

Could you please give me some advice on what the problem may be, and if there is a cure for it as my wife and I love this tree and would like to save it from any further damage if possible.

Yours Hopefully,

Colin

Answer 1

It sounds like your tree has outgrown the container.

This may be the time to determine if you can put it in a larger container or if it’s time to plant outdoors.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-houseplants.htm