How to water an indoor olive tree
Olea europaea
Quick answer
For a large-container olive, keep the potting mix moist during the growing season and water when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) feel dry, rather than following a daily interval.
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- Starting point (summer)
- every 6 to 8 days
- Starting point (winter)
- every 11 to 17 days
How to water an indoor olive tree
2 cm (0.8 in)
- 01
When to water
During the growing season, keep the potting mix for a container-grown olive moist and water when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) feel dry, rather than following a fixed daily interval.
Place a large container olive outdoors in a sunny position for summer and move it to a frost-free place for winter. Keep the potting mix moist but never soggy while it grows, and water less in winter, when growth slows.
- 02
How to water thoroughly
Use a sharply drained, gritty container medium and raise the pot on feet so excess water can escape. Under glass, loam-based potting mix with sharp sand also works.
All indoor olive tree guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · full sun · drainage · under-glass compost · pests · Container size · gritty loam · watering · monthly feed · frost-free overwintering
- University of Illinois ExtensionAt least six hours sunlight · south window · water top inch dry · indoor fruiting caveat
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · soil moisture · drought · indoor/greenhouse movement · chill requirement · pests
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