Cider gum Eucalyptus gunnii Silverana = 'Lon40'

Water

Cider Gum should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In hot, dry conditions, it may require water twice a week. Ensure that the tree is getting approximately 2 to 3 gallons per watering session. It's crucial to adjust the frequency and amount of water based on rainfall, season, and soil conditions. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.

Light

Cider Gum thrives best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It should be positioned in a spot where it can receive unfiltered, direct sunlight for the majority of the day to ensure healthy growth.

Temperature

Cider Gum performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a range of 50°F to 90°F. It can tolerate occasional dips below freezing, down to about 20°F, but sustained cold below this threshold may damage the plant. Ideal conditions are in the warmer part of the range, without exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning Cider Gum is helpful to maintain its shape and promote dense foliage growth. Prune during the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out the top of the tree to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. Typically, pruning once a year is sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii Silverana 'Lon40') should be well-draining with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter. It prefers a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Cider Gum saplings may need repotting annually, but mature trees have a slower growth rate and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Cider Gum thrives in moderate to low humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry air, making it well-suited for many interior environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, proper drainage, slightly acidic soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from severe frosts.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Eucalyptus gunnii 'Silverana', commonly known as Cider Gum, begins its cycle with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy and a moist, well-drained growing medium. Once germinated, the seedling stage involves the development of primary roots and shoots, which will eventually develop into a young sapling. As the sapling grows, it enters the vegetative growth stage characterized by rapid stem elongation and the production of the species' distinctive round, silver-blue leaves. Following the juvenile phase, the plant matures and enters the reproductive stage, where it develops buds that bloom into small, white flowers, usually in the summer, and these are pollinated by insects or birds. After pollination, the flowers develop into woody fruit capsules, each containing numerous seeds, which when mature, are released to start a new generation. Throughout its life cycle, Cider Gum exhibits vigorous growth under suitable conditions, with the ability to tolerate cold climates and reach substantial heights if not pruned for ornamental or harvesting purposes.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• For the Eucalyptus gunnii 'Silverana', also known as Cider Gum, propagation is most commonly achieved through the sowing of seeds. The ideal time for sowing Cider Gum seeds is late winter to early spring, when temperatures are cool but not freezing, which helps in the stratification process. To propagate by seed, fill a pot with a well-draining seed starting mix and sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect light and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within a few weeks. It's important to maintain a consistent temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) for optimal growth. Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground if the climate is suitable. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true-to-type plants.