The very slow-growing olive tree can live for many centuries - provided it is well cared for. In the Mediterranean countries you can even find gnarled trees that are said to be 1000 years and older. Basically, the care of this useful tree is very simple, you should only avoid too much water and protect the sapling from too cold temperatures. In our care instructions you will find valuable first-hand tips.

How often do I have to repot my olive tree?

Olive trees grow very slowly, with the roots in particular tending to grow strongly. Therefore, pots or tubs should not be too large, especially for young trees, in order to achieve stronger tree growth. It's time to repot as soon as the roots threaten to grow out of the pot. It is best to fill the bottom of the pot with a thick layer of pebbles for better drainage and then the plant substrate. The planting hole should be about a third deeper than the root ball.

How much water does the olive tree need?

In the home of the olive trees, the climate is rather dry, which is why this plant needs little water even in our latitudes. However, you should not let indoor plants or potted plants dry out, but keep them moist - not wet! - keep. It is best not to water with fresh, but with stale water. With older trees, no water should remain in hollows or holes, otherwise the plant can rot at this point. Young trees in particular should be kept moist to avoid drying out. However, older trees can also be dry at times because their roots are already developed wide enough to take up enough water.

When and what should be fertilized?

Fertilize your olive tree in mid to late September with several small doses of Kalimagnesia, which is a special potash fertilizer enriched with magnesium. This strengthens resistance and increases stability, as the fresh shoots lignify more easily. It is a granulate that can be easily dissolved in water.

When and how should I prune my olive tree?

Olive trees tend to branch out as they get older, and the branches can also become very long. Both make it difficult for the olive tree to maintain a healthy water balance because it has to transport both water and nutrients to the most remote corners. For this reason, you should cut off wild growth and long, vertical branches. When cutting, make sure that the crown is as dense as possible. The best time for pruning is spring.

What do I do if my olive tree loses its leaves or they change color?

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that doesn't shed its leaves - so if your tree discolours and/or sheds its leaves, you're in trouble. Excessive humidity is usually the reason, but dryness or a lack of nutrients can also be the cause.

Leaves turn brown

Brown leaves usually result from overwatering and/or from tree roots that died in winter. Remove the discolored leaves and continue tending the tree as before, keeping an eye on the roots.

Leaves dry out from the edge

As soon as leaves dry out from the edge, this is usually an unmistakable sign of a nutrient deficiency. Fertilize your olive tree with Kalimagnesia.

Tree drops leaves

For most plants, drooping leaves are an indication of a lack of water. But not with the olive tree, because hanging leaves usually indicate a lack of nutrients or a pot that is too narrow. It is best to repot the plant with fresh substrate in a larger pot.

leaves fall off

Falling leaves indicate a lack of light. Move your olive tree to a sunnier spot or place a plant lamp (€21.99).

What diseases can affect my olive tree and what can I do about it?

Olive trees are quite commonly attacked by spider mites. You can effectively deal with these unpleasant fellows with a homemade nettle decoction. Scale insects are also quite common.

Can an olive tree tolerate cold and frosty temperatures?

In their home countries, there is almost never frost, which is why olive trees are quite sensitive to frost - at least when they are very young. However, over the years they can slowly get used to the cooler temperatures in Germany, so that they can stay outside even when the temperature is around freezing. If you want to grow olives, it is best not to import trees from the Mediterranean countries - they are used to very different temperatures than we are used to and will hardly thrive here.

How do I overwinter an olive tree in a bucket?

An olive tree in a tub can hibernate at around 8 to 10 °C, for example in a greenhouse or in a conservatory. However, you should make sure that he gets enough light and occasionally a little water. The roots can be covered with a layer of bark mulch.

How do I overwinter an outdoor olive tree?

Olive trees planted outdoors need a lot of protection from freezing temperatures. Cover the roots with a thick layer of mulch (€239.00) and/or brushwood and wrap the trunk loosely in light and air-permeable straw mats. The crown is covered with cold protection mats. Since the tree needs a lot of light, it should really only be packed up at the lowest temperatures - from about six to ten degrees above zero it can stand freely again.

tips and tricks

Especially in snowy winters, make sure that the roots of your olive tree remain free of snow. The roots need continuous sun, which cannot shine through a thick layer of snow. They also run the risk of freezing to death from the cold. It is best to cover the roots with a thick layer of bark mulch or brushwood in autumn.

Category:

Trees