Silver Dollar Eucalyptus is a plant that captures attention with its coin-shaped leaves shrouded in silvery blue. These rounded leaves can change the appearance of any garden or floral arrangement with their aroma.
Besides the decorations, the oil of Silver Dollar Eucalyptus is beneficial because of its medicinal properties.
So, do you want to grow this fantastic plant at home?
This article contains everything you need to bring life and character to your Silver Dollar plant. We'll discuss the different uses of this plant and tell you tips about its growth. We'll also give you a stepwise guide to grow the plant from seeds at home. Finally, we’ll compare the benefits of indoor and outdoor eucalyptus.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eucalyptus cinerea |
| Common Name | Eucalyptus, Silver Dollar Tree, Argyle Apple |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Shrub or Tree |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature Size | 6-10 feet as a shrub; 20-60 feet as a tree |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-Drained |
| Soil pH | Slightly Acidic to Neutral (5.5 to 7.0) |
| Watering | Weekly |
| Temperature | 65-75°F |
| Flower Color | White to Creamy Yellow |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Hardiness Zones | 8 to 11 USDA |
| Native Area | Australia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to People, Toxic to Pets |
Let's dive in and start with the uses of the Silver Dollar plant.
Part 1. Uses of the Silver Dollar Plant
The Silver Dollar Plant is prized for its elegant leaves and shining seed pods.
Here's how you can use this beautiful plant.
Silver Dollar Plant pods make a statement with their silvery tones and distinctive circular shape. Their color and charm last a month, so they are extensively used in dried flower arrangements.
These plants are favorites among florists because of their attractive appearance. They add contrast and visual interest to any bouquet.
These dried stems can thus be placed in vases around the house and exhibit minimalist sophistication. Since pet-friendly, you can put them on a hallway table or add coziness near the washbasin.
Silver Dollar Plants are well suited for wreath making. They give your seasonal wreaths an authentic, natural appeal.
This plant is also helpful in a garden situation. It can serve as a gentle, silvery border alongside walkways or borders with flower beds. In its compact, bushy form, this silver dollar plant grows into an ideal edging plant.
Oil extracted from the leaf of Silver Dollar Eucalyptus is very common today. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and soothes muscles. Such oil is commonly added to a solution for colds and sometimes for relief from muscles, oral care products, and even natural insecticides.
Do you also want to get these benefits from the Silver Dollar plant? For that, you need to grow this plant at home. Let's tell you everything about growing a Silver Dollar Eucalyptus.
Part 2. Everything About Growing Silver Dollar Plant
The Silver Dollar Plant needs a specific environment to grow properly. Let's look at these particular details.
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Ideal Growing Conditions
The Silver Dollar Plant enjoys warm climates with plenty of sunshine. It can be placed in direct sun for at least six hours daily. It loves a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F, which is pretty warm for optimal growth.
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Soil and Planting Requirements
It thrives best under well-draining soil with a sandy or loamy texture. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0. As it is robust, the soil needs to be loose and aerated at planting time to allow proper root development. Provide a hole almost twice the size of the root ball.
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Watering and Fertilizing
The requirement is that the soil must be moist and never waterlogged. They enjoy regular watering, especially during the dry seasons. With less watering during the winter season, they thrive and stay healthy. Adding a balanced fertilizer applied every few months therefore fuels growth.
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Propagation Techniques
The propagation of the Silver Dollar Plant is not a tough job. It is done mainly through seeds. After the pods turn rich brown, you can collect the seeds to be planted. Sowing these seeds in well-draining soil will grow new plants.
Now, considering all these tips, let's show you how to grow Silver Dollar Plant home.
Part 3. How to Grow Silver Dollar Plant - Step By Step
If you want to grow a Silver Dollar plant from seed, here are the steps you can follow.
Step 1: Prepare Your Seeds and Soil
- Make sure you have healthy seeds set aside. Use seeds from established plants or purchase them from a renowned store.
- Silver Dollar Plants prefer soil that drains water exceptionally well. So, add some sand or perlite to your potting mix.
Step 2: Sow the Seeds Into Pots Indoors
- Sow seeds in small pots about 6 to 8 weeks before the winter season ends.
- Place the seeds just barely covered. Keep the soil consistently moist, neither soggy nor dry.
- Put the pots in a warm, bright location to encourage germination.
Step 3: Transplant the seedlings outdoors
- Wait until winter ends and your seedlings have at least two sets of leaves to move them outside.
- Move them to a sunny part of your garden that catches some protection from the heat of the midday sun.
- Dig small holes some 12 inches apart, then place each seedling in its new location.
- Tamp down the soil around each plant for good support and stability.
Step 4: Watering Routine
- Water your newly planted Silver Dollar Plants whenever the soil feels dry.
- Do not overwater. It can cause waterlogged roots and decay in the plants.
Step 5: Harvesting Seeds for the Future
- Come spring, your Silver Dollar Plants will grow beautiful purple flowers, which will eventually become the characteristic seed pods.
- When the seed pods have thoroughly dried and turned a rich brown, harvest the seeds nestled within.
- Store those in an excellent, dry location until you are prepared to plant again the following year.
Now, after the plant grows, we can't leave it alone. Let's see how to give Silver Dollar plant care properly.
Part 4. Silver Dollar Plant Care Tips
It is not an option but a must. With proper Silver Dollar plant care, this plant will thrive to the fullest.
Here's what you need to do.
Plant Silver Dollar Eucalyptus 18 to 24 inches apart. This permits healthy air circulation and prevents other types of growth problems.
Pruning the plant regularly will keep it in the desired shape and size. Remove dead/damaged leaves & stems. This process will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking fresh. Deadheading the spent flowers further extends the blooming period.
Silver Dollar Plants stretch toward the sky, sometimes needing a little help along the way. If it becomes leggy or grows precariously, stake it to prevent breakage.
Watch out for aphids and spider mites, which may interfere with your plant's health. If you find unwanted visitors, use soap or neem oil. They are excellent organic ways of eliminating pests.
Also, ensure that powdery mildew is kept off by having a good supply of air circulating around. This prevents many diseases.
Adequate watering is required during dry spells. You should feed your Silver Dollar Plant with a balanced fertilizer every few months. Look after your plants attentively for stress signs such as yellow leaves. They indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
If you follow all the above tips, you’ll quickly grow a Silver Dollar plant at your home.
Now, let's move on. Some people grow these plants indoors, while others prefer an outdoor environment. Let's give some specific tips on this.
Part 5. Indoor vs Outdoor Growing
Both environments present unique advantages and challenges. Understanding these differences can ensure that you provide the best care possible for your plant.
Here's what you do:
Indoor Growing: A Delicate Balance
Silver Dollar Plants require a sharp eye when growing indoors.
- They thrive well when placed near a sunny window where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- In a house, you'll find that these plants need more water due to the drier air characteristic.
- One can use drainage pots to prevent waterlogging.
- Also, indoor pests are more likely to be infestations. So inspecting the plant frequently is quite essential.
Growing Outdoors: Living with Nature
- The silver dollar plant can thrive in well-drained soil and soaked with sunlight.
- It will require special care when the weather becomes extremely hot or freezing.
- Ensure they have enough space to spread their roots.
- Stake the plants if they grow too tall.
- Pests and diseases should be monitored regularly since they can limit healthy growth.
- Water during dry spells.
FAQ
Q1. How often should I water my Silver Dollar Plant?
The watering needs of your Silver Dollar Plant generally depend on the weather and soil conditions. In general, it likes moderate watering after one week. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Maintain the overall feel of the soil, which is only slightly moist.
You will probably need to water more often during long, hot, dry spells. Conversely, during cooler months, you should reduce your watering to avoid the dangers of overwatering.
Q2. Are Silver Dollar Plants suitable for indoor cultivation?
Absolutely! Growing Silver Dollar Plants indoors is possible if you can provide them with the need for sunlight. Place it near a bright window with direct sunlight for at least six hours daily.
Keep the indoor environment moderately moist, and watch out for pests that may invade the space.
Conclusion
There is every reason to acknowledge that the Silver Dollar Plant is magnificent for any garden. Sure, it adds ton the visual aspect, but its seed pods have also become beautiful in other seasons.
Following the tips above, you can quickly grow a Silver Dollar plant from its seeds.
However, if you want an already grown Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, get it from Mygreenscape. You can buy a small plant from Greenscape. If you pay due care, your Silver Dollar Plant will stay alive and flourish. Explore our complete care guide for Philodendron Cordatum and keep your plant thriving year-round!