How to grow and care for Olea europaea
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Olea europaea, Indian olive, Wild-olive
Olea europaea 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright direct light
18C° ~23C°
Every 7 days
Growth Observation wiki
transplant
vegetative
new leaf
💬 Gardener's know-how
Botany Encyclopedia
Species : Olea europaea
🔖 Care Tips
If fruit has set, green olives can be harvested from September to November, and black olives from November to February. When the plant is young, even a slight delay in watering can cause leaves to drop easily. Therefore, check the soil frequently and water as needed.
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
It primarily inhabits the Mediterranean region. It prefers hot and dry conditions in summer and cool, humid conditions in winter. It is sensitive to cold and cannot survive outdoors in winter.
🪨 Soil Mix
It is best to plant in well-draining soil. A common mix ratio is 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. This can vary depending on conditions and environment.
🌡️ Environment
Temperature: 15~25℃, minimum temperature -5℃. It must be kept below 10℃ for at least 2 months each year to form flower stalks the following year. Outdoor overwintering can be difficult, but it is possible on a balcony.
☀️ Light
This plant requires a lot of light. Ensure it receives ample light for optimal growth. The more light it receives, the faster it grows.
💧 Water
Water the plant when the surface soil dries out, except in winter. In winter, water when the inner soil dries out. If the leaves droop, it indicates a lack of water, so water the plant. The plant is sensitive to both overwatering and drying out. Regularly check the soil and ensure good air circulation after watering.
🌱 Propagate
Use sterilized tools to cut a branch with 2-4 nodes at an angle, dry it for 3-4 hours, then propagate in soil or water. 1. For water propagation, avoid transparent containers. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, use hydroponic fertilizer. If roots are over 5-7 cm, transplant into soil. 2. For soil propagation, plant deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help the plant adapt. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.
🪴 Repot
In nature, it grows quickly with plenty of light and good air circulation, but indoors, it tends to grow slowly. Therefore, it is advisable to repot every 2-3 years.
💊 Fertilize
Using fertilizer once during spring and summer, while adhering to the recommended amount, can promote more vigorous growth.
🌺 Flower
Flowers typically bloom on plants that are 2 to 3 years old or older. They bloom from May to July, with small white flowers clustered together. Some varieties can bear fruit with just one tree, while others require two or more trees to produce fruit, so check before purchasing. Artificial pollination can ensure fruit production. To artificially pollinate, use a cotton swab or brush to gently transfer pollen between flowers.
water
How to water Olea europaea
💬 Gardener's know-how
How often should I water?
check Olea europaea Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Olea europaea need?
Bright direct light
Grow light
Light preference
Olea europaea likes Bright direct light, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
2K ~ 20K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
2K
20K
Temperature
Houseplants
-15
18~23℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Olea europaea at home, make sure the temperature is 18~23℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Olea europaea prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
💬 Gardener's know-how
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Soil Mix
💬 Gardener's know-how
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Olea europaea is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Lamiales, Family: Oleaceae, Genus: Olea, Species: Olea europaea
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mediterranean |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Olea |
| Species | Olea europaea |
Is your plant sick?
Track what happened. We’ll let you know the cause and treatment shortly!
1:1 Expert Help
You’ll get professional feedback within 24 hours from an expert on our team.
feedback will include