An indoor olive tree will add a little Mediterranean flair to your home.
Here’s what you oughta know to grow olive tree indoors successfully.
Your tree might even produce fruit over time!
Credit:Mauro Murgia / Getty Images
Growing Olive Trees Indoors vs. Outdoors
Olive trees are evergreens native to the Mediterranean region.
Both types of olive trees prefer warmer environments and aresensitive to freezing temperatures.
Because of this, growing olive trees outdoors can be a bit tricky in places with cold winters.
If your landscape doesnt meet those conditions, growing olive trees indoors is an alternative.
How do you care for an indoor olive tree?
If you don’t have enough natural light, get afull spectrum grow lightto supplement.
Its also important to keep the potting soil moist, butdo not overwateryour tree.
“Olive trees need moistbut well-drained soil.
Foliage will regrow quickly so dont give up on your tree if this happens, says Greenstreet.
As forpests, “scale is a common issueseen on olive trees,” says Greenstreet.
Olive trees produce natural layers and are slow growers, so pruning is often not needed, says Greenstreet.
If you gotta thin out your tree, remove the tips and lower branches whilepruning it to shape.
Aim for the spring or early summer season after the tree has produced some buds to prune.
This will help promote new growth.
Use a good, organic, well-draining, balanced soil to repot your olive tree, says Greenstreet.
Where can you buy an olive tree?
To find an indoor olive tree, try visiting your local garden center.
If you let your garden center know, they will be able to special-order one for you.
There are also several online options for purchasing a potted indoor olive tree.
