How to Grow an Olive Tree Indoors - A Guide for Happy Indoor Gardeners
Growing plants indoors is a great way to decorate your house, purify the air, and stay connected with nature. However, planting an olive tree inside your home can seem like an impossible feat, given their geography and weather preferences. But fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts, because with just a little bit of effort and patience, you can grow an olive tree in your own living room! In this blog post, we'll be sharing some tips on how to grow an olive tree indoors and give it the tender love and care it deserves.
Pick the Perfect Pot for Your Olive Tree
To give your olive tree the best chance at survival and thriving indoors, it's crucial to find a pot that gives its roots the space they need to stretch out and explore. Look for a pot that's deep and wide enough to let those roots grow freely. But that's not all! You'll also want to choose a pot that offers great drainage and allows for proper air circulation to the roots. Steer clear of ceramic and terracotta pots, though - they'll dry your plant out faster than you can say "watering can". So, grab the right pot and watch your indoor olive tree flourish like a superstar!
Olive trees have big dreams, but giving them a pot that's too big is like putting them in a mansion before they're ready. They need time to grow, and too much space can lead to overwatering or neglecting their roots. Give your olive tree the perfect-sized pot for a fruitful journey!
Provide Adequate Light
Olive trees require abundant sunlight to thrive and grow healthy. Therefore, place the pot near a window that is exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. If you don't have a sunny window, you can use artificial grow lights that mimic natural sunlight. Keeping the olive tree in a well-lit spot will ensure that it continues to grow and produce fruits.
Don't drown your olive tree!
Make sure its pot has enough drainage so it doesn't turn into a soggy mess. Wait until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry before giving it a drink. Too much water is a no-no, as it can lead to root rot and other plant ailments. Want some help? Try a Sustee moisture meter - a stroke of genius!
Prune and Fertilise
Pruning your olive tree regularly is essential to maintain its shape and prevent it from leaning towards one side. You can do this by cutting off dead, broken or excess branches. Fertilising is essential too, as it provides the necessary nutrients for the growth of leaves and roots. Use a well-balanced fertiliser that contains nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium and apply it every three to four months.
Patience is Key
Growing an olive tree indoors is not a sprint but a marathon. It can take months, even years, for a young plant to mature and produce fruits. Therefore, it is essential to have patience, be persistent, and take good care of the plant. With consistent care and attention, your olive tree will eventually thrive, and you will reap the rewards of having a beautiful and fruitful tree in your home.
Ready to bring the Mediterranean vibes indoors? Growing your own olive tree might seem like a challenge, but trust us, it's totally worth it! Choose the perfect pot, give your tree the right amount of light and water, and prune and fertilise. The secret ingredient: a sprinkle of patience! So, are you up for the challenge? We'll be your olive tree-growing sherpa every step of the way. Let's create a home that's full of leafy love together. We olive you so much!