Like any other plant, olives can be attacked by fungi or pests, especially when they are weak. However, typical olive pests and diseases are rare in Germany, since the tree is not grown enough in gardens to spread further.

Diseases and pest infestations are usually the result of incorrect care

Harmful insects, fungi and pathogenic bacteria can spread and multiply quickly, especially on weakened plants - such trees often no longer have the strength to defend themselves against the pathogens. Therefore, olive diseases are usually - they confirm exceptions - to lead back to incorrect care and / or unfavorable location and weather conditions. Since prevention is better than cure, ensure the best possible living conditions:

  • Sun, sun and more sun
  • a protected and not too humid location
  • loose, well-drained soil
  • no waterlogging
  • no frost
  • optimal conditions for hibernation (maximum temperatures 10 °C)
  • regular fertilizer application
  • not too small or too big a pot

Potted plants are particularly at risk

With these measures you contribute to the fact that your olive stays as healthy as possible. However, even the best conditions are no guarantee that the tree will not be attacked by pathogens or insects. Potted plants are particularly at risk of disease, especially because olives are not suitable for houseplants.

Scale insects are a common plague

Scale insects in particular are a real plague. These animals appear more frequently after improper hibernation and are difficult to get rid of. You can recognize an infestation by curled and/or dried leaves. With a larger infestation, a whitish coating can be seen with the naked eye. Scale insects love the warmth, which is why they mainly appear in the spring after a too warm winter. In addition, they multiply extremely quickly - you can only prevent an infestation if you overwinter your olive tree as coolly as possible, but frost-free.

More pests

Other very common pests are spider mites and aphids, which can usually be driven away with a home-made stinging nettle decoction.

Diseases caused by bacteria and fungi

Fungal diseases are also usually due to incorrect overwintering. The so-called eye spot disease occurs very frequently, and fungal diseases as a result of an infestation with scale insects are also not uncommon. Fungal diseases can usually only be effectively treated with a (copper-containing) fungicide. If your olive tree loses leaves or the leaves turn brown, it is not always just pests at work - such signs often indicate a lack of water, overwatering or frost damage.

tips and tricks

Don't throw away a dried up olive tree right away. Instead, you can also prune it vigorously and continue to water it - the tree often sprout again in spring.

Category:

Trees