Olive Tree Care Guide

 About Indoor Olive Tree

The Olive Tree (Olea europaea ‘Mission’) is a Mediterranean favorite with slender branches, silver-green leaves, and naturally sculptural shape. This live olive tree grows well in bright indoor spaces and can be planted outdoors in USDA zones 8-11, where it becomes a long-lived landscape tree. Indoors, it remains compact and thrives with strong, consistent light. 

The Olea europaea tree has a moderate care level and suits plant parents familiar with sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. It’s not pet-friendly, so keep it out of reach of animals. Symbolizing peace, abundance, and resilience, the olive plant brings meaningful beauty to any home.

Olive Tree: Benefits

• Adds Mediterranean style and visual texture to indoor spaces
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established
• Long lifespan when grown in proper conditions
• Produces olives outdoors in the right growing zones
• Works well with modern, rustic, coastal, or minimalist decor

Indoor Olive Tree Care: Growing Tips

Indoor olive tree care is easy with the correct setup. The key is plenty of sun, infrequent watering, and well-draining soil. 

Olive Tree: Light Requirements & Temperature

• Light: Indoor olive trees require as much direct sunlight as possible, ideally 6 hours or more per day. A south-facing window is the best spot. If natural light is limited, a grow light can help maintain healthy foliage. 
• Temperature: Olive trees prefer warm, stable temperatures between 65°F and 80°F indoors. They can tolerate short drops but should be kept away from drafts and heating vents, which can dry out the foliage. 

Olive Tree: Watering & Humidity

• Watering: This olive plant is naturally drought-tolerant. Water once the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, then allow excess water to drain fully. Avoid overwatering, which is the most common cause of decline. 
• Humidity: Olive trees thrive in low to moderate humidity and don’t require misting. Normal household humidity is ideal, making them a good fit for dry indoor climates.

Indoor Olive Tree: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting

• Soil: Use a fast-draining mix, something similar to cactus or citrus soil. Good drainage helps prevent root rot and mimics the tree’s native environment. 
• Fertilizer: Feed every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter as growth slows. 
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when roots become visible at the base. Choose a pot that’s one size up with drainage holes. 

Olive Tree: Propagation

Olive trees are most commonly propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Take a 6-8 inch cutting in late spring or summer, remove the lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep it warm and slightly moist until roots develop. 

Olive Tree: Pruning and Common Issues

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove damaged growth. Common issues include leaf drop from low light, yellowing from excess water, and slow growth caused by poor nutrients. Adjusting light, watering, or feeding usually resolves these problems quickly. 

Indoor Olive Tree: Companion Plants & Placement Options

Indoor olive trees pair well with other sun-loving houseplants and look elegant in bright living areas. Their upright shape and airy foliage let them blend seamlessly into many decor styles. 

Great to Place on

Place your indoor olive tree on a plant stand, near a sunlit window, or in a bright entryway. It also works beautifully as a floor plant in living rooms, kitchens, and home offices that receive plenty of natural light.

Olive Tree Grows Well With

• Ficus Plants: Ficus plants' lush, full foliage contrasts nicely with the olive tree’s slender branches.
• Australian Umbrella Tree: The bold leaf structure of the Australian Umbrella Tree creates a tropical balance beside the more delicate olive branches.
• Braided Money Tree: The Braided Money Tree offers bright green leaves and a distinctive braided trunk that pairs beautifully with an olive tree’s minimalist form.

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