Few plants breathe holiday like a potted olive tree. The silvery foliage and characterful trunk feel equally at home on a balcony or in the living room.
Origin and natural habitat
The olive has been cultivated around the Mediterranean for over 6,000 years and is one of humanity's oldest crop plants. Wild populations originate in the eastern Mediterranean, where it endures summer drought on stony slopes.
Care
Light
Olive trees want as much sun as possible — a south-facing window or patio. Put it outside from May to September once frost risk has passed.
Watering
Let the soil dry out properly between waterings. Olives tolerate drought well but dislike wet feet — make sure the pot drains.
Soil and feeding
Sandy, chalky, free-draining soil. Feed sparingly with lime-rich fertiliser in summer. Overwinter cool (5–10 °C) and bright, watering rarely then.
Common problems
Leaf drop usually comes from soil that is too wet or a too-dark winter spot. Aphids sometimes appear in spring — rinse off with water. No fruit is normal indoors; olives need cross-pollination and abundant light.
Good to know
Olive trees can live for over a thousand years. Safe for cats and dogs.
