Care Guide for an Olive Bonsai (Olea europaea)
The Olive is a subtropical evergreen tree valued in bonsai for its gnarled, textured bark, silvery-green elliptical leaves, and exceptional hardiness compared to other tropicals. It is resilient, durable, and provides a distinct, Mediterranean aesthetic.
General Health Requirements
- Hardiness: Subtropical; must be protected from frost (move indoors when temperatures consistently drop below 5C)
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun is mandatory (6–8+ hours daily) to maintain compact growth, vigour, and small leaves. Low light leads to weak, elongated growth.
- Vigour: Moderate to high vigour; responds well to pruning but is slower to heal large wounds than deciduous species.
Year-Round Care Summary
Aspect, Timing & Requirements, Key Goal
Watering
Summer: Water thoroughly when the surface of the soil is dry. Olives are relatively drought-tolerant but thrive with consistent moisture. Winter (Indoors): Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out more.
Prevent root rot in cold months; support growth in summer.
Feeding
Spring–Autumn: Consistent, moderate feeding with a balanced NPK fertiliser during the active growing season. Reduce or stop feeding when moved indoors.
Support continuous evergreen growth.
Pruning
Maintenance (Year-Round): Cut back new shoots to 1–2 nodes to achieve density. Structural (Spring/Summer): Perform major cuts during the warm season for best healing.
Build dense, twiggy foliage pads.
Wiring
Year-Round: Wire branches when they are young and flexible. Monitor closely, as the wood hardens quickly, making branches brittle.
Set initial branch movement.
Repotting
Every 2–4 years in late spring/early summer when the tree is actively growing. Root prune conservatively.
Renew soil and maintain root health.