How Long Does Eucalyptus Lasts?

In nature, the Eucalyptus tree lasts more than 250 years, but decoratively cut Eucalyptus branches only last at most a couple of years.

By avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and improper moisture, you can prolong the valuable life of the decorative Eucalyptus. So, read on to learn the different dynamics of Eucalyptus to enjoy their value longer.

How Long Does Eucalyptus Lasts?

To tell how long Eucalyptus will last, you must know whether they are freshly cut, preserved or dried.

Fresh Eucalyptus 

Fresh Eucalyptus offers a more intense fragrance than dried and preserved ones but at the cost of quick dry-up.

They will fade within two to three weeks after turning brown and losing their fragrance.

Meanwhile, how and where you use fresh Eucalyptus determines their usable time.

If you put them in a shower or vase filled with water, Eucalyptus will last from 3 weeks to 2 months.

That said, the Eucalyptus hanging on a wall can lose leaf color and its scent within two weeks.

Lastly, Eucalyptus kept in direct sun exposure will only last 3-4 days. So, you must keep them away to enjoy them for longer.

Although fresh Eucalyptus can freshen up your place much better, they are not ideal for decorating your home.

Preserved Eucalyptus 

Preserved Eucalyptus are the ones that have been dyed with a solution of glycerin to preserve foliage color.

So, preserved Eucalyptus stay intact for almost a year, making them an excellent decorative element.

However, preserved Eucalyptus does not have an intense fragrance and is most likely to lose scent in a few months.

Although not a natural method, you can revive their fragrance by applying preserved Eucalyptus with Eucalyptus spray.

In contrast to dried Eucalyptus, preserved Eucalyptus does not lose its texture and remains smooth and soft.

But it would help if you placed preserved Eucalyptus away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

Dried Eucalyptus

Drying Eucalyptus is another popular method that involves simple air drying to prolong the lasting time of Eucalyptus.

Dried Eucalyptus will last for a couple of years without a complaint when provided with proper care.

They can be used as beautiful wall hangings, garlands, wreaths, and dry floral arrangements that will last more than a year.

Similarly, they will last longer if you protect them from direct sunlight and excess moisture.

How Do You Preserve Eucalyptus? 

Preservation of Eucalyptus is a simple yet great way to store and prolong their usage period, which involves easier steps you can follow at home.

Before you get carried away with preserving the Eucalyptus, ensure you have scissors, vegetable glycerin and a saucepan.

Now, follow these descriptive steps in an orderly fashion to preserve Eucalyptus.

Step 1: Trim out the stems of the Eucalyptus to the desired length.

Step 2: Smash the Eucalyptus stem’s cut edges to allow maximum glycerine absorption.

Step 3: Mix two parts of water and one part of vegetable glycerin in a pot.

Step 4: Constantly stir and boil it till the glycerin dissolves into the water.

Step 5: Let the mixture rest and cool down for 5-10 minutes before pouring them into a vase or pot.

Step 6: Submerge the Eucalyptus stems about 2-3 inches deep in the mixture and store the vase in a cool, dark place with temperatures 60°F to 75°F.

Generally, Eucalyptus stems will be completely dry within a month, give or take a week, depending upon the size of the stem.

As glycerin mixture can evaporate and turn brown and slimy over time, you must replace them with fresh glycerin mix.

After proper drying, Eucalyptus leaves will turn dark purple from green with a smoother texture.

Before putting the preserved Eucalyptus to use, you must clean and cut the submerged wet parts of the stem.

You can store preserved Eucalyptus in a dark, dry room with proper ventilation for future use.

Remember, the cut branches of Eucalyptus will droop in the vase, causing them to bend down a little.

If you want a straight Eucalyptus stem, you can air-dry them by hanging them in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation.

Finally, make sure you go back and check your Eucalyptus now and then to see if it is holding up.

Benefits of Having Eucalyptus in Your Home 

Eucalyptus trees have blessed humans in several ways, and some of those benefits are;

• Cut Eucalyptus adds aesthetic beauty and spreads its pleasant aroma around the room.
• It alleviates anxiety and promotes relaxation via its sweet fragrance.
• Effective medication against cold symptoms like cough, nasal congestion and headache.
• It acts as an excellent pest and bug repellent due to its smell.
• It purifies air by absorbing harmful toxins and stimulates the immune system.
• DIY Eucalyptus oil is useful for cleaning the floor and stainless steel appliances.
• Eucalyptus extract contains effective anti-cancer properties.
• Traditional use of essential oil as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.

Although Eucalyptus is beneficial for us, according to ASPCA, they are toxic to pets due to the presence of Eucalyptol in its leaves.

Eucalyptus poisoning can cause hypersalivation, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness in pets upon ingestion.

Immediately seek the help of professional vets if you suspect your pet took a nibble out of Eucalyptus.

Here are some hotlines that can help you out with Eucalyptus poisoning.

• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
• Animal Poison Control Center, APCC: 888-426-4435