Plant Bio

Olive trees have been cultivated for thousands of years for their fruit and the oil made from it. If you love olives or simply love the look of the green-gray foliage, you may dream of growing olive trees too. One reason people are taking to olive trees as houseplants is that caring for olive trees inside is easy. These trees tolerate dry air and dry soil too, making it an easy-care houseplant. And the trees are attractive too. The branches are covered with narrow, gray-green leaves that have furry undersides.

Light: Full sun. Growing olive trees need as much direct sunlight as possible year-round. Give the plant a quarter turn every week in front of the window to ensure even growth. Moving your plant to a sun-drenched porch or patio for the summer will give it a boost.

Water: Growing olive trees are thirsty spring through fall. Water thoroughly, then allow top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Don’t allow the soil to get soggy which can quickly kill this tree. Reduce water in winter, when plant is resting.

Soil: Sandy, fast-draining mix, such as a cactus potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.