The tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia. Considered easy to grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, this tropical plant can be grown indoors as well with a bit of extra effort. Tea trees typically produce wispy white blooms in the spring and summer, but may not do so when grown indoors. The plants are sometimes capable of self-pollination, but rely on insect pollinators as well. Your plant may not flower unless you set it outdoors during warm weather, so insects can access it. When working with this plant, remember that, although it has many health benefits when properly processed, raw tea tree oil is toxic, and the plant should be grown well out of the reach of children.
Tea Tree Care
Melaleuca Alternifolia
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
10°C - 18°C
Hardiness zone
9a - 10b
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water the tea tree plant as often as needed to keep the soil in the container moist. The specific watering needs of each plant will vary depending upon temperature, soil mixture and other elements of the growing environment, so check your plant daily until you learn its exact watering needs. Never allow the soil around the plant to become dry to the touch. Tea tree plants need lots of water when grown indoors and are not good choices for container gardeners who forget to water regularly.
Pruning
Prune the tea tree periodically as needed to remove dead or damaged limbs, to shape the plant, and to prevent it from outgrowing its indoor living space.
Fertilizer
Fertilize regularly with your favorite liquid organic fertilizer to avoid salt build-up. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommended instructions when establishing the feeding routine. Because the tea tree is an evergreen, there is no need to reduce or stop feeding during the winter.
Sunlight
The trees need sun to thrive, whether they are planted indoors or out. They will not be happy in shade.
Soil
As far as soil goes, make sure it drains easily. The plants just won’t thrive if drainage is limited. Grow them in acidic or neutral soil that is moist. S
Temperature
It tolerates temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters.
Additional
Do not take internally. Possible central nervous system depression along with ataxia and drowsiness. Possible stomatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal irritation when taken orally The trees also have medicinal uses. Melaleuca tea tree uses center around the essential oil obtained from the leaves and twigs. Herbalists consider tea tree oil an important natural antiseptic. The oil can be used for treating stings, burns, wounds and skin infections. It is said to stimulate the immune system and serves as an effective treatment against both bacterial and fungal infections. The essential oil is also used in aromatherapy.
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