How to Care for an Olive Plant—the Trendy Indoor Tree You'll Want in Your Home

An olive plant is a special addition to any indoor space. The evergreen tree species is native to the Mediterranean region and, dating back to ancient Greek mythology, has long been associated with symbols of peace and friendship. Olive trees have long branches with small, silvery green leaves and they can grow up to 10 feet when planted in containers indoors. (So, you may want to select a dwarf variety, depending on the height of your ceilings.) Find out everything you need to know about how to care for olive trees below.

Olive Tree Care Tips

Turns out, indoor olive trees can even produce fruit (AKA olives) when properly cared for. However, whether you're hoping to see some olives or not, olive trees require just the right conditions to keep them alive and thriving. Follow the ideal indoor olive tree conditions below for the best results.

Light

One of the most important requirements to keep an indoor olive tree alive is giving it a lot of light. "Olive plants prefer full sunlight," Chad Massura, co-founder of Rosy Soil, says. "They thrive in direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day." To achieve this inside your home, you'll want to place your plant near a south-facing window. If you can't get the desired amount of light for olive trees in your home, you may need to supplement with a grow light—or, consider selecting a low-light houseplant instead.

Soil and Water

Massura says olive plants prefer well-draining soil and infrequent, deep watering. "Allow the soil to dry out between waterings," he says. "Then, water when the top inch of soil feels dry." When watering, be sure the soil gets fully soaked and that the water starts draining out of the drainage holes. However, be careful not to overwater and be sure the soil is properly draining to avoid root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal conditions for olive plants mimic the warm, hot climates of the Mediterranean, where they originate. They prefer warm temperatures between around 70 to 85 F, Massura says, and they can tolerate some humidity, but thrive in drier conditions. So, misting isn't advised for olive trees, and be sure to keep the plant away from any humidifiers or excess moisture in the air. While some humidity-loving plants are ideal for bathrooms, an olive tree should be kept in a dry and spacious room, like a living room.

Fertilizer

Olive plants can benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), Massura says. "Apply a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following the package instructions," he recommends.

Pruning

When it comes to pruning an indoor olive tree, you'll most likely want to do so to keep the tree from outgrowing the space you have for it inside your home. While it's generally recommended to prune during the dormant period in winter, you may need to prune more than once a year to maintain the size of the tree.