Olea europaea
OH-lee-a yoo-ROH-pay-a
Common Names: Olive Tree
Family: Oleaceae
Origin: Mediterranean, Africa, Asia
Growth: Upwards, branching
Light: Full sun
Foot Candles: 250+
Water: Regularly. Keep evenly moist. Can tolerate short periods of drought.
Humidity: 30% - 70%
Temperature: 16°C - 40°C
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Container: Self-watering, irrigated bed
Nutrients: 10-15-10 monthly
Propagation: Seed, branch cutting, grafting
Interiorscape Use: Atrium, Large Potted Plant, Fruit Bearing
Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale, Thrips.
Common Issues: Root rot when over-watered. Can get leggy when grow with insufficient light.
Comments: A great Mediterranean tree that will develop gnarly bark as it ages. Will also produce edible olives when mature and with sufficient light. The flowers are very fragrant. Has become invasive when introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
Toxicity: Safe.