Olea europaea
Timeless, elegant, and beautifully understated, the Olive Tree is a favourite for bringing a Mediterranean feel to indoor and outdoor spaces. With its slender grey-green leaves and sculptural form, it adds a calm, natural texture that works effortlessly with both modern and classic interiors.
Why We Love It
Olive Trees have a quiet, architectural beauty. Their soft, silvery foliage catches the light beautifully, and their upright growth makes them perfect for creating height and structure in a space. They’re also surprisingly hardy and can thrive for many years with the right conditions.
Light
Olive trees love sunlight. Place your plant in the brightest spot you have, ideally somewhere that receives several hours of direct sun each day. A north-facing window or a sunny balcony is ideal. Without enough light, growth may slow, and leaves may drop.
Water
Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Olive trees prefer consistent but moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while long periods of dryness can cause leaf drop.
Tip: Check the top few centimetres of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Soil & Pot
Good drainage is essential. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally with added sand or perlite. A pot with drainage holes is important, as Olive Trees don’t tolerate sitting in wet soil.
Temperature & Humidity
Olive Trees prefer warm, sunny conditions. Average indoor temperatures work well, though they appreciate good airflow. They are comfortable in normal household humidity and don’t require extra moisture in the air.
Growth & Maintenance
Olive Trees are slow growers but can become striking feature plants over time. Light pruning can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any damaged or crossing branches to keep the plant looking tidy.
Flowers & Fruit
Under the right conditions, Olive Trees can produce small, creamy-white flowers in spring. These may eventually develop into olives, though fruiting indoors is uncommon and requires very bright light.
Common Problems
- Leaf drop: often caused by insufficient light or inconsistent watering
- Yellowing leaves: overwatering or poor drainage
- Sparse growth: not enough sunlight