Rooting Eucalyptus Cuttings: A Propagation Guide

Overview

Eucalyptus globulus, the blue gum, is native to Australia with aromatic leaves that yield medicinal oil for respiratory ailments. It's also the primary food of koalas. Propagating from semi-woody cuttings is a reliable way to clone desirable traits.

Step 1: Select and Prepare Cuttings

Take semi-woody stems from the current season's growth, at least 8 weeks old. Each cutting must have at least one leaf bud. If leaves are present, remove them but leave the bud intact.

Step 2: Apply Rooting Hormone

Dip the basal end of each cutting in rooting hormone for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Plant in Perlite

Fill a small terra cotta pot with moist perlite. Insert the cutting upright, hormone-treated end down.

Step 4: Bottom-Water to Protect Hormone

Place the pot on a saucer of water and let it absorb moisture from the bottom up. This prevents washing off the rooting hormone.

Step 5: Create a Humid Environment

Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep at 80–90°F (27–32°C) for optimal rooting.

Step 6: Monitor and Test

Check every few days, keeping perlite moist. After four weeks, tug gently; resistance indicates roots have formed.

Step 7: Pot Up

Transplant the rooted cutting into a pot with well-draining potting soil.