Home / Grow Together Journal / Olive Tree Care (Indoors + Out)
Plant care guide Β· See all guides β†’

Olive Tree Care (Indoors + Out)

Potted olive tree with silvery green leaves

Olea europaea

At a glance

β˜€οΈ Light Full sun: 6+ hours. The more the better.
πŸ’§ Water When the top 5 cm is dry.
πŸͺ΄ Soil Fast-draining: our Arid Potting Mix mixed with Tropical mix.
🌑️ Temp Hardy to about -8°C outdoors; cool winters help.
πŸ’¨ Humidity Dry air is fine.
🐾 Pets Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
🌱 Care level Moderate Needs sun
πŸ“ Grows to 1–2 m in a pot.

Olive trees bring a silvery, Mediterranean look to a sunny room or patio. They're tough and drought-tolerant, but they are sun-lovers. The biggest reason indoor olives struggle is simply not enough light.

On this page
  1. Light + placement
  2. Watering
  3. Soil + repotting
  4. Feeding + upkeep
  5. Common problems
  6. Varieties we carry
  7. FAQ
  8. Care kit

Light + placement

Olives need full sun: at least 6 hours of direct light. Indoors, that means right in front of your sunniest south or west window. Outdoors, a sunny patio or balcony is ideal.

Victoria tip: Victoria's mild climate means many olive trees can live outside year-round in a sheltered, sunny spot against the house. Move the pot somewhere protected (an unheated garage or shed) during cold snaps below about -8Β°C, and keep it out of soggy winter rain by raising the pot on feet.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil is dry, then let it drain. Olives are drought-tolerant but potted ones dry out faster in summer heat. In winter, water much less, especially if it's kept cool.

Olive tree foliage close-up
Olive tree foliage close-up

Soil + repotting

A fast-draining, gritty mix: blend our Arid Potting Mix with some Tropical mix, in a heavy pot with a drainage hole (terracotta works well). Repot every 2–3 years in spring.

Let us do it: Bring it in and we'll repot it for $1 per inch of pot ($2–$10), plus soil and a new pot if you need one. How to Repot a Houseplant

Feeding + upkeep

Feed monthly from April to August. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape it and thin crowded branches. Indoors, a cool winter (10–15Β°C) mimics its natural rest and helps it thrive.

Common problems

What you see Likely cause What to do
Leaves dropping indoors Not enough light Move to the sunniest window or outdoors for summer.
Yellow leaves, wet soil Overwatering Let the top 5 cm dry; check drainage.
Crispy brown leaves Dried out in heat Water more often in summer.
Leggy, sparse growth Low light More sun; prune in spring.
Small bumps on stems Scale insects Scrape off; treat with Houseplant Spray or neem.

Varieties we carry

We carry potted olive trees in a few sizes, mostly in spring and summer. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.

None in stock online right now. New plants arrive every week, so check back soon or ask us in the shop.

Shop all Large Plants β†’

Frequently asked questions

Can an olive tree live indoors?

Yes, with full sun in your brightest window. Many do best spending summer outside.

Can it stay outside all winter in Victoria?

Often yes, in a sheltered sunny spot. Protect it during cold snaps below about -8Β°C.

Is an olive tree safe for pets?

Yes. Olive trees are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Will it grow olives?

Possibly outdoors in a warm summer, but potted indoor olives rarely fruit.

Olive Tree care kit

Still stuck? Bring it in.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11–5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β†’

More plant care guides

Lithops Β· Indoor Palms Β· Peace Lily Β· Fittonia Β· Pilea Β· Pitcher Plant Β· String of Pearls Β· Cactus Β· All plant care β†’