The home of the olive tree is characterized by a lot of sun, dryness and warmth. In our Central European climate it is usually too cold and rainy for the Mediterranean plant, at least in winter. But since olives are relatively robust, they can still be easily cultivated in containers.
How do you care for an olive tree in a pot?
Potted olive trees can thrive on balconies or patios if they are watered regularly, placed outside, and protected from winter frosts. Good drainage in the pot is important to avoid waterlogging, and the plant should be rotated if necessary.
Optimal conditions for potted olives
The main reason for keeping olives in containers is their transportability: While you cannot simply dig up an olive tree buried in the garden in bad weather conditions and move it to a more suitable location, this is easily possible with a container olive - depending on its size possible. This will enable you to react quickly and appropriately to the prevailing weather and place your olive in the best place for it.
Olives are ideal for balconies and terraces
In addition, olives are ideal for keeping on the balcony or terrace due to their robustness and extremely slow growth. The tree is even relatively easy to train into a pretty bonsai - olives are the perfect bonsai plants for beginners. However, it is important to ensure the best possible conditions, especially when keeping them in containers, because container plants are particularly susceptible to diseases and pest infestation.
Olives want to be outside
Olives are not suitable for keeping indoors; they want to be kept outdoors all year round if possible. As a rule, indoor olives do not grow optimally and often drop their leaves. In principle, you could also overwinter your olive tree outdoors; temperatures around freezing are perfect for the winter rest period. You should only bring in your pot olive or pack it up for winter if there are long-lasting and/or deep frosts. However, do not place your olive tree in the heated living room in winter, olives need a winter rest with temperatures just above freezing.
Water potted olives regularly
Olives planted in the garden generally do not need to be watered. Their roots grow very deep and wide - olive tree roots can reach up to six meters deep - and can draw even the smallest amounts of moisture from the ground. However, you need to water potted olives regularly, while avoiding waterlogging. The correct time to water is when the substrate has dried on the surface. From time to time you can also spray the tree all around with room temperature water.
Good drainage is important
To avoid waterlogging and therefore root rot, you must ensure good pot drainage (€11.00 on Amazon). At the bottom of the pot there should be a layer of pebbles or pottery shards, and the pot should also have a drainage hole. Do not place the plant pot directly on a base or planter, but rather on “feet”. This ensures that excess water drains away sufficiently.
Tips & Tricks
Olives are usually found in a sunny and sheltered corner, i.e. H. one side receives more sun than the other. To ensure that the tree grows evenly all around, turn it around from time to time.
