Plant Library

Olive Tree Care Guide

Olea europaea

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 6 Nov 2026 · How we research · Report an error

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Silvery, Mediterranean and very fashionable, the indoor olive tree is the plant people most often regret buying for the wrong spot. It is a sun-loving outdoor tree that tolerates life indoors only beside your brightest window or under a strong grow light.

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Light

Full sun: 6+ hours of direct sun; a south window or outdoors in summer. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

Deeply, then only when the top 2 in (5 cm) is dry; never let it sit in water. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: low to average; tolerates dry air. It needs about two months at 40-50°F (4-10°C) to flower, so a cool, bright winter spot suits it better than a warm room.

Soil and feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite for air. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.

Our tip

Put it outdoors in full sun from late spring to autumn if your nights stay above about 40°F (4°C), and bring it in before frost; a cool, bright winter suits it better than a warm, dim room.

Common problems

• Dropping leaves: Too little light, the most common cause indoors. Move it to the sunniest window or add a grow light.
• Crispy, curled leaves: Dried out completely or hit by heater air. Water deeply and move it away from vents.
• Black, mushy roots: Overwatering or a pot without drainage.

Pets

Not on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic list; no toxicity is widely reported, but ask your vet if pets chew it. Check the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.