Aside from those caveats, slow-growing olive trees are easy to care for indoors.
Can You Grow Olive Trees Inside?
The ability to grow olive trees indoors hinges on the amount of available sunlight.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Native to the Mediterranean basin, olive trees receive lots of sun exposure.
A large south-facing window is the only indoor location that can provide the necessary sun exposure.
LED lights are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting solution.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
For an olive tree grown indoors, a room temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is best.
However, the plant should be kept away from heat vents and radiators to prevent drying out.
Fertilizer
Olive trees in the landscape dont need much fertilizer.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
As for the amount, follow the label instructions, as the nutrient content of fertilizers varies.
Stop fertilizing the tree in the fall and dont fertilize it during itsdormancy periodin the winter.
nevenmn / Getty Images
Pruning and Maintenance
Over time, an olive tree can get spindly.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Pruning in the spring when new growth starts encourages a bushy growth habit.
New branches will develop from the node.
Remove branches growing from the base and thin out branches in the center of the tree.
Mauro Murgia / EyeEm / Getty Images
This allows plenty of sunlight exposure and good air circulation for the entire plant.
Excellent drainage is crucial for olive trees so choose a pot with large drainage holes.
verify the holes don’t become obstructed.
nevenmn / Getty Images
Elevating the container on plant feet or blocks or placing it on a ridged saucer will help.
Potting Soil and Drainage
Commercial well-drainingpotting mixor cactus potting mix works well for olive trees.
Or you might mix in perlite, bark chips, or small gravel.
CemSelvi / Getty Images
Some growers recommend adding gravel to the bottom of the pot.
Olive trees grow slowly so your plant might not require repotting for two to three years.
Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid cold or frost damage.
Place the olive tree in partial shade for the first week outdoorsClaudette Saad El Dine / EyeEm / Getty Images
The tree should be adjusted gradually to outdoor conditions.
Start by placing it in a spot where it is sheltered from wind and full sun for several days.
After that, you’re able to put it in its permanent summer location.
Michael Jones / EyeEm / Getty Images
Olive trees attract ants, scale insects, and spittlebugs.
The main cause for loss of foliage is insufficient sunlight.
Growing Olive Trees Indoors.
