Growing Olive Trees Indoors

Botanical Name: Olea europaea and hybrids

Growing olive trees indoors has become popular in recent years -- and for good reason. This Mediterranean native is tolerant of dry air and (somewhat) dry soil, making it an extremely adaptable house plant.

In its natural habitat, an olive tree can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) tall. However, indoors, planted in a pot, you can keep it much smaller. Dwarf olive trees only grow to 6 ft (1.8 m). Pruning olive trees will keep them compact.

Olive tree branches are covered with attractive, narrow, gray-green leaves that grow 1-3 in (2.5-8 cm) long. The undersides of the leaves are covered with fine hairs.

Clusters of small, creamy white flowers may appear in the axils of the leaves in summer, followed by ripening fruits.

A dwarf olive tree will not bear fruit, and is purely ornamental, such as the olive tree shown at left.

Prune your plant back when new growth begins in spring to keep it compact. Pruning olive trees long branches will promote vigorous new growth and an attractive shape.

Pruning tip: Use clean, sharp pruners to cut the stem at a 45° angle, 1/4-inch above a leaf node (where a leaf attaches to a stem). Pruning olive trees will force branching from just below where the cut was made.

Repot in spring. Move a young olive plant to a pot that's just 1 size larger every couple years or when it outgrows its pot. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Large plants can be top-dressed each year, instead, by replacing the top 2-3 inches of soil.

You'll find that growing olive trees indoors is well worth it. These evergreen trees are low-maintenance and long-lived.

Origin: Mediterranean region

Height: Up to 10 ft (3 m) when grown in a container. Dwarf varieties reach up to 6 ft (1.8 m). Pruning olive trees will keep them compact. A bonsai olive tree is pruned and shaped to stay much smaller.

Light: Full sun. Turn the plant a quarter turn every week to ensure even growth.

Water: Growing olive trees are thirsty spring through fall. Water thoroughly, then allow top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Don't allow the soil to get soggy which can quickly kill this tree. Reduce water in winter, when plant is resting.

Humidity: Average room humidity; tolerant of dry air.

Temperature: Average to warm 65-75°F/18-24°C. Olive trees will tolerate high temperatures, so don't worry about putting your tree outdoors for the summer -- it can take the heat. It will tolerate a minimum of 40°F/4°C.

Soil: Sandy, fast-draining mix, such as a cactus potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Or, apply a slow-release fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring.

Propagation: Sow seeds or take stem tip cuttings in spring. With a sharp knife or razor blade, take a 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cutting with 2-3 leaf nodes. Dip cut end in hormone rooting powder before inserting in moist potting mix. Olive tree cuttings do not root easily.