Water olive tree every 7-10 days in summer and every 3-4 weeks in winter. The soil is a better guide than the calendar: When the top 5 cm is dry. It shrugs off drought but not wet feet.
Olive is one of the harder houseplants. It is a Mediterranean tree that wants strong sun, dry air and moving air, and an ordinary living room supplies none of the three. Mass leaf drop is almost always too little light or too much water. The reliable approach is outdoors or on a balcony through summer, indoors only for the cold months.
Every two or three years in spring, into a very free-draining mix.
Growing conditions
| Watering in summer | Every 7-10 days |
|---|---|
| Watering in winter | Every 3-4 weeks |
| How to tell it needs water | When the top 5 cm is dry. It shrugs off drought but not wet feet. |
| Light | Six or more hours of direct sun |
| Temperature | 10-30ยฐC; keep above 5ยฐC in winter |
| Humidity | Low, with good airflow |
| Repotting | Every two or three years in spring, into a very free-draining mix. |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves dropping all at once | Too little light or too much water | Move it to your brightest spot and cut back the watering. |
| Brown leaf tips | Underwatering or a root-bound pot | Water thoroughly and repot if needed. |
| Sticky residue and insects | Scale insects | Wipe them off, improve airflow, and treat if it persists. |