Eucalyptus polyanthemos aka Redbox

Taxonomy

Eucalyptus polyanthemos, also known as red box, is a small to medium-sized tree native to eastern Australia, but has been introduced in other countries. It typically grows up to 20 meters in height and has a crooked trunk with fibrous or flaky bark on the trunk and larger branches. The tree has broadly egg-shaped to round juvenile leaves, while its adult leaves are lance-shaped, egg-shaped, or almost round. The flowers buds grow in groups of seven on a branching peduncle and produce white flowers in October and November. Its fruit is a woody, barrel-shaped to conical capsule. In addition to its natural habitat, the red box is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light. To thrive, it should be less than a foot away from a window and placed in well-draining soil. Supplementing with gentle, organic fertilizer during its peak growing season can also be beneficial.

Common names

Redbox, Australian Beech, Bastard Box

How to care for Redbox

Difficulty

Redbox demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.

Water

Redbox should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Redbox 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

Redbox requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Australian Beech is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Redbox. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Redbox’s native range is Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia