Olive Tree

Congratulations on adding an Olive Tree or “Olea europea" to your indoor plant collection! This guide, created by our team of plant experts, is tailored to help keep your new potted friend happy and healthy. 

History of the Olive Tree

The Olive Tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history, with its roots (both literal and figurative) stretching back over 6,000 years. Originating in the Mediterranean, it has long been a symbol of peace, wisdom, and prosperity. Ancient civilisations, from the Greeks to the Romans, revered the Olive Tree for its fruit and the golden oil it produced—used for everything from cooking to medicine and even sacred rituals.

• Sun-kissed beginnings: In the wild, Olive Trees thrive in arid, sun-drenched regions, often growing in rocky soils where few other plants can survive. Their ability to withstand drought and harsh conditions has made them a resilient staple in Mediterranean agriculture for millennia.

• The tree of myth and legend: Greek mythology tells of Athena and Poseidon competing to offer the most valuable gift to the people of Athens. Athena’s gift? The Olive Tree provided sustenance, light (through oil lamps), and even healing properties. The people declared her the winner, and the city was named Athens in her honour.

• Timeless appeal: Today, Olive Trees continue to bring a touch of the Mediterranean into homes worldwide. While the Irish climate means that, sadly, it will unlikely produce olives, their silvery-green leaves and elegant structure make a beautiful, timeless addition to indoor and outdoor spaces.

💡 Did you know?

• Olive Trees can live for over 1,000 years—some ancient trees in the Mediterranean are estimated to be over 2,000 years old!

• The world’s oldest known Olive Tree, in Crete, is still producing olives today!

• Olive oil was once considered liquid gold and used as currency in ancient trade.

• The Olive branch has been a symbol of peace and victory since ancient times, even appearing in the Olympic Games.

• Despite their Mediterranean origins, Olive Trees can adapt to indoor life with the right care—making them a stylish and hardy houseplant.

 

Common Olive Tree Challenges 

Even the hardiest plants have their quirks—Olive Trees included! If yours isn’t looking its best, don’t worry. Below are some common issues you might encounter, along with simple fixes to get your tree back on track.

Issue	What it looks like	Why it happens	How to fix it
🛑 Leaf Drop	Your Olive Tree is shedding more leaves than usual, leaving it looking sparse or stressed.	Sudden changes in temperature or environment (e.g., moving it to a new spot or placing it near drafts, heaters, or air conditioning). Low humidity, especially in winter, can cause leaves to dry out and fall. Overwatering can lead to root stress, which causes premature leaf drop	Keep your Olive Tree in a stable, warm environment away from temperature extremes. Boost humidity with light misting or a pebble tray filled with water. Check your watering routine - only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Slow Growth	Your Olive Tree seems to be stuck in time, with little to no new growth for months.	Insufficient light- Olive Trees need at least 6+ hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. Lack of nutrients- if your tree hasn’t been fertilised in a while, it might need a boost. Roots may be pot-bound, restricting further growth.	Move your Olive Tree to the sunniest spot possible, ideally a south-facing window. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. If it’s been in the same pot for years, consider repotting it into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
Pests	Sticky leaves, webbing, or tiny brown, white, or cotton-like spots on the plant.	Dry indoor air can make Olive Trees more susceptible to pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Pests often hitch a ride from other infected plants nearby.	Inspect your tree regularly, especially under the leaves and along the stems. Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth or treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate affected plants to prevent pests from spreading.
🛑 Yellowing Leaves	Leaves turning yellow, especially lower ones, while the soil stays damp.	Overwatering or poor drainage is the most common culprit. Compacted soil can suffocate roots, preventing proper oxygen flow.	Ensure your pot has drainage holes, and use a well-draining soil mix. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings- water only when the top inch feels dry. If the soil feels heavy or compacted, aerate it gently or repot with a fresh mix.

 

Pat’s top care tips for the Olive Tree

Pat, our in-house plant guru, has a few golden rules when it comes to keeping Olive Trees thriving indoors:

• ☀️Light: Olive Trees love sunlight, so place yours in the brightest spot possible. A south-facing window is ideal, but a grow light can help supplement if natural light is limited. Aim for at least 6+ hours of bright, direct light daily.

• 💧Water: Olive Trees prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil—if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as Olive Trees dislike soggy roots. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

• 🟤Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Use a sandy, well-aerated mix—a blend of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well. Always plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

• 🌡️ Temperature & Humidity: Olive Trees prefer warm, stable conditions between 15-24°C. Keep them away from cold drafts, radiators, and air conditioning units. While they tolerate normal indoor humidity, they appreciate a boost in drier months. A light misting or placing a pebble tray with water near the plant can help.

• 🍽️ Feeding Routine: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Olive Tree with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks to encourage strong growth. In autumn and winter, feeding can be paused as the plant’s growth naturally slows.

• ♻️ Repotting: Olive Trees don’t need frequent repotting since they like snug roots. Repot every 2-3 years or when you notice roots poking out of drainage holes. When repotting, choose a pot one size larger and refresh the soil with a well-draining mix.

• ✂️ Propagation: Want more Olive Trees? You can propagate them from stem cuttings: Cut a 10-15cm (4-6 inch) healthy stem in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Place the cutting in moist, well-draining soil and keep it warm and humid. Roots should develop in 6-8 weeks—once established, you can pot it up!

• 🛑 Pest control: Olive Trees are generally resilient, but they can occasionally attract spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Look for sticky leaves, webbing, or small bumps on the stems. Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. If pests persist, isolate the plant and repeat treatments weekly until they’re gone.

• ✂️Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages new growth. Trim off any leggy or overcrowded branches in early spring. Remove any dead, yellowing, or weak leaves to keep your tree looking its best. Want a bushier Olive Tree? Pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage branching.

 

Styling your Olive Tree at home

Olive Trees add a timeless, Mediterranean vibe to Irish homes. Here are a few styling ideas to make the most of yours:

• Minimalist chic – Pair your Olive Tree with a sleek terracotta or neutral-toned ceramic pot for a clean, modern look.

• Mediterranean vibes – Place it in a rustic planter alongside lavender or rosemary for a true Mediterranean feel.

• Statement corner – Position your Olive Tree in a well-lit corner to create a striking focal point in your living room or office.

• Tabletop decor – A smaller Olive Tree works beautifully on a dining table or console, adding a refined, natural touch.

📷 We’d love to see how you style your Olive Tree!

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram or Facebook so we can share in the plant love—and maybe even feature your creative setups on our channels. 

Have any questions or concerns about your Olive Tree?

Our team are here to help! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook or email our team directly at team@plantstore.ie