Eucalyptus leucoxylon aka South Australian Blue Gum

Taxonomy

Eucalyptus leucoxylon, also known as yellow gum, blue gum or white ironbark, is a small to medium-sized tree native to south-eastern Australia. It has smooth yellowish bark, with some rough bark near the base, and lance-shaped or curved leaves. The flower buds grow in groups of three and the fruit is cylindrical, barrel-shaped or shortened spherical. This widely cultivated species has white, red or pink flowers. A popular dwarf form of Eucalypt leucoxylon has a single trunk with smooth bark that sheds in flakes, grey-green leaves, and pink, red or cream flowers from late autumn to early summer. It is a great habitat plant, attracting birds and bees, and is tolerant of most soil types, moderate frost, and coastal conditions. This variant can grow up to 10 metres tall and 4 metres wide, but generally reaches around 6 metres in cultivation. Yellow gum is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. The soil should be well-draining, and it may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

South Australian Blue Gum, Australian Blue Gum, Black Mountain Ash

How to care for South Australian Blue Gum

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, South Australian Blue Gum is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

South Australian Blue Gum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

South Australian Blue Gum loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

South Australian Blue Gum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your South Australian Blue Gum will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for South Australian Blue Gum plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The South Australian Blue Gum does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Region of origin

South Australian Blue Gum’s native range is Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia