Jooni
Olive
2 Species
Species
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer regularly during the growing season (spring through fall) with reduced applications in winter when growth slows. Solid organic fertilizer or liquid fertilizer can both be used effectively. While olive trees can grow in poor soil conditions naturally, as bonsai they require consistent fertilization to maintain health and vigor in their confined environment. Always follow package instructions to avoid over-fertilization which can damage the roots.
Placement
Olive bonsai require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Place the tree in a south-facing window or outdoors during warm months. In colder climates, move the tree indoors or to a frost-free greenhouse when temperatures drop below 41°F (5°C). When kept outside, protect from strong winds and storms. These Mediterranean natives prefer temperatures between 41-85°F (5-29°C). They can adapt to indoor conditions but do best with outdoor placement during the growing season.
Pruning
Strong pruning is essential for olive bonsai and encourages vigorous new growth. The best time for major pruning is late winter before the growing season begins. Remove dead, damaged, or unwanted branches first, then trim back long shoots and thin out dense areas to maintain the desired shape. However, don't remove too much inner growth since olives look best with a somewhat bushy appearance. When pruning leaves, remove larger ones to encourage smaller leaf growth. Use clean, sharp tools and cut at an angle to promote healing.
Repotting
Repot young olive bonsai every 3-4 years, while older specimens can go 5-8 years between repotting if regularly pruned. Early spring is the ideal time as this coincides with the tree's vigorous growth period. Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix consisting of 25% pumice, 50% Akadama, and 25% volcanic ash lava rock. When repotting, trim about one-third of the root mass and carefully remove air pockets when replacing the soil. Use a shallow pot with good drainage holes, slightly larger than the root system. Keep the soil consistently moist for 1-2 weeks after repotting to help the roots recover.
Watering
Water your olive bonsai thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry, but allow some drying between waterings as these trees don't like constantly wet soil. Use room temperature water rather than cold water, which can shock the roots. Adjust watering frequency based on season - more frequent in summer, less in winter. Watch for signs of over or under-watering: yellowing or dropping leaves can indicate overwatering, while crispy leaves suggest underwatering. Maintain average humidity around 40% for optimal growth, using a humidity tray if needed but avoiding excessive moisture which can promote fungal growth.