Grow Light for Olive Tree Indoors: Potted Olive Care
A grow light for olive tree indoors helps a potted olive through short winter days. NC State Extension notes olive prefers full sun plus can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse in colder areas. Indoors, a bright window plus a lamp on a timer comes closest to the sun it wants.
The short answer
Olives want full sun plus well drained soil. NC State Extension notes they can come indoors in colder areas. Set the tree in the sunniest window plus add a lamp. University of Minnesota Extension lists 12 to 24 inches for foliage houseplants plus 12 to 14 hours a day. Let the soil dry before each watering.
How much light does an olive tree need indoors?
NC State Extension advises full sun, six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions advises a sunny spot with well drained soil. In winter most rooms fall short.
| Factor | Target | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Six or more hours of direct sun | Add a lamp in winter |
| Distance | 12 to 24 inches for foliage plants | Lower it if growth stretches |
| Hours | 12 to 14 hours for foliage plants | Use a timer |
| Water | Well drained soil | Avoid soggy roots |
Source: NC State Extension plus University of Minnesota Extension.
Which grow light suits a potted olive?
University of Minnesota Extension notes LED lights are very energy efficient plus long lasting. It notes white or balanced lights suit most plants at any stage of growth. The fixture should span the whole crown.
Will an indoor olive flower?
Probably not. NC State Extension notes olive needs 2 months of temperatures in the 40 to 50 degree F range to flower. A warm living room rarely gives that, so grow an indoor olive mainly for its silvery foliage.
How to: step by step
- Set the olive in the sunniest window.
- Pick a white or balanced LED fixture.
- Hang it 12 to 24 inches above the crown.
- Run it on a timer for 12 to 14 hours.
- Water only when the soil dries.
- Rotate the pot so each side gets light.
Troubleshooting
Long thin shoots: too little light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
Leaves drop in wet soil: too much water. Let the soil dry.
Pale scorched leaves: the lamp is too close. Raise it.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis, grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Olives, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Olea europaea (olive), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Can an olive tree live indoors all year?
It can grow indoors with enough light. NC State Extension notes olive can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse in colder areas plus lists it as a container plant. It wants full sun, so a bright window plus a lamp helps it hold its silvery leaves.
How often should I water an indoor olive?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes too much water makes olive trees susceptible to root rot. NC State Extension notes olives are drought tolerant once established plus prefer well drained soil. Water deeply, let the excess drain, then wait until the soil dries before watering again.
How cold can a potted olive get?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions advises covering olive trees outdoors if winter temperatures drop below 20 degrees F. NC State Extension notes olive grows outdoors in zones 8 to 10. In colder areas bring the pot inside before hard freezes plus give it a bright spot.
Should I fertilize an indoor olive?
Go easy. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes olives thrive in poor soil plus excessive nitrogen causes too much shoot growth. Feed lightly during spring plus summer when the tree is growing under the lamp. Skip feeding in winter when growth slows indoors.
What pests show up on olive trees?
NC State Extension notes olive has no serious insect pests plus lists scale insects as a possible problem. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions notes scale can be a problem plus leaves can be damaged by caterpillars. Check stems plus leaf undersides each time you water.
