Olive Tree (Olea Europaea)

The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea) is a tree with a wide presence in the Mediterranean region. It is often confused with the Wild Olive (Olea Europaea Silvestrys), although there are some notable differences between the two. While the Olive Tree is known for its generous fruit production, the Wild Olive is prized for its appearance in the world of bonsai, thanks to its smaller leaves and bark with tiny folds.

In addition, the Olive Tree is known for its ease of rooting, which makes it possible to plant a trunk and quickly obtain a new tree. It is a resistant species and it is possible to find ancient specimens of large dimensions with a rich and fascinating history.

In summary, the Olive and Wild Olive are two interesting and versatile trees, both in the wild and in the world of bonsai. Either of them can be a valuable and attractive addition to any garden or bonsai collection.

Olive Tree Bonsai Care Guide

In this guide, we will address the basic care that should be given to an Olive bonsai. To properly care for a bonsai, it is essential to have a clear knowledge of its natural habitat, as this will allow us to understand its needs.

The Olive Tree is native to arid areas with little water availability, which has led this species to develop a superior resistance to drought compared to other species. However, it is important to keep in mind that in a bonsai, the tree is in a limited environment and cannot obtain reserves through deeper roots in the ground. Therefore, it is crucial to provide adequate care and provide all the necessary needs for healthy and balanced growth.

How to water an olive bonsai?

Taking into account the above, our watering proposal is as follows:

• Spring: Watering has to be moderate, as it is not yet very hot and the substrate does not tend to dry out so easily.
• Summer: We should be more on top of the olive tree; with high temperatures, the substrate will dry out quickly. Therefore, we must water much more abundantly.
• Autumn and Winter: In this season we will do the opposite of the previous one; we are going to reduce the watering a lot, we do not want to have the roots excessively humid all the time.

In any case, we must always check the surface of the substrate; when we notice that it is dry, it is time to water. Substrates such as akadama facilitate this as it changes color when it dries.

Should I leave my olive tree in full sun?

Its natural place is outdoors, under direct sunlight all day. We will only have to watch that it does not lack water and that if it is a small specimen it can become dehydrated much sooner than another with a thicker trunk.

Should I worry about bringing my olive bonsai indoors in winter?

If you live in a place where temperatures can drop a lot, you should bring the tree indoors or protect it. Especially if the temperature can drop below 5ºC.

How often should I fertilize my olive tree?

From spring to autumn is the tree’s growth period; it is at this time that we should fertilize with large quantities.

Until summer we can use Hanakogoro or Bio Gold, and after summer until autumn, Joy fertilizer or Tosho fertilizer.

When and how should an olive bonsai be pruned?

In the pruning of an Olive bonsai, it is important to wait until the tree has finished its growth period, which generally occurs in winter. Olive trees are known for being easily cultivated trees, which can result in new shoots directly from the trunk or from the roots. To maintain a desired shape in the bonsai, it is necessary to cut these unwanted shoots and allow the tree to concentrate its energies on other branches.

In case the bonsai is very vigorous, the defoliation technique can be applied, which consists of removing the leaves. This will cause the tree to have to dedicate its energies to the production of smaller leaves, thus reducing the tendency to lengthen the branches. Pruning should be done carefully and with sharp tools to avoid damaging the branches and trunk of the bonsai.

Can I pinch an olive bonsai?

Yes, it is possible to pinch an olive bonsai, and the best time to do it is from April to October. It is important to keep in mind that when pinching, you should leave a couple of leaves on the branches that have grown. This will help maintain the health and balance of the tree, as the leaves are the main source of energy for it. In addition, it is essential to keep in mind that proper and careful pruning can influence the shape and texture of the branches, so it is important to be aware of the desired results before starting to pinch.

When is the best time to wire?

It is advisable to carry out the wiring during the spring, as the branches are more flexible and malleable at this time of year, which facilitates the modeling process. However, you can wire at any time of the year, depending on the state of growth and the shape you want to give your olive bonsai.

How do I know when I have to repot my olive tree?

The olive tree is an extremely slow-growing tree, which means that we can space out repotting for up to 4 years. In any case, we must check if the tree is coming out of the pot, which would mean that it no longer has space. Check this repotting guide to learn more.

What substrate or soil should I choose?

It is very important that the substrate is very draining; olive trees do not tolerate waterlogging. A combination of 70% akadama plus 30% pumice can work very well, but check the state of the substrate well so that it does not dry out excessively between waterings.

Another option would be 100% akadama.

Whatever the case, do not add acidic substrate such as kiryuzuna; oleas need very basic substrates.

When using a basic substrate, we must fertilize without fail when it is time, since the tree will not be able to acquire nutrients from the substrate.

How can I propagate an olive tree?

Reproduction by seeds is totally feasible; stratification is not necessary, just opening the olive pit.

We can also make cuttings or even thick stumps; as we have already mentioned, the olive tree has a great facility for rooting.

What pests and diseases can affect my olive bonsai?

In addition to the mentioned pests such as the olive moth, the olive fly and the mealybug, other common problems that can affect an olive bonsai include mold disease, fungal wilt and olive leaf disease. These diseases can be caused by a combination of factors, including excessive humidity in the soil, poor ventilation and a lack of adequate sunlight.

Therefore, it is important that good care practices are carried out to prevent these problems. This includes proper watering without overdoing it, maintaining good drainage in the container, ensuring good ventilation and providing enough sunlight. It is also important to regularly examine the bonsai for signs of disease or pest infestation, and take immediate action if any problem is detected.

What styles or shapes can be made with an olive tree?

The olive tree is a very versatile tree and can be adapted to different bonsai styles. Some of the most popular styles include:

• Moyogi: This style is characterized by a straight trunk and a wide, branched crown. It is an ideal style for olive trees with a thick trunk and a naturally attractive shape.
• Cascade: This style simulates a tree growing on a cliff or a rock, with the trunk flowing downwards in the form of a cascade. This style is ideal for olive trees with a thin trunk and long, flexible branches.
• Literati: This style is characterized by a twisted trunk and branches that seem to be sculpted by the wind and snow. It is an ideal style for olive trees with an interesting trunk and unique shapes.

The mentioned styles are just a few examples. The olive tree can be modeled in many other styles, depending on the creativity and skill of the bonsaist.

What pot is recommended to use?

While other species such as maples or zelkovas admit very low pots, oleas appreciate a little more depth to be able to develop properly. Differences between the olive tree and the wild olive tree

Sometimes we can confuse an olive tree with a wild olive tree; let’s review some of the differences.

First, the olive tree can reach 15 meters in height, while wild olive trees stay at 3 meters. But the easiest way to differentiate them is by the leaves; the olive tree has an intense green color with a thin and elongated shape. In contrast, the wild olive has much smaller and rounder leaves, with a gray underside.

The deadwood also gives them away; in the case of the olive tree, it has a sandy color tending towards yellow. The wild olive, on the other hand, is very whitish, something highly appreciated among bonsaists.

Finally, it should be noted that the olive tree produces much more fruit than the wild olive, which we will rarely see produce fruit in bonsai form. The wild olive also has the particularity that it resists droughts much better.

What should I know before buying an olive bonsai?

In addition to considering the option of buying a pre-bonsai or a seedling, you should also consider some factors before buying an olive bonsai:

• Age: It is important to know the age of the tree since a young bonsai will require more time and patience to grow and develop.
• Size: The size of the bonsai is important to determine the space you need to place it in your home.
• Style: It is important to choose a style that suits your tastes and the way you want the bonsai to look in your home.
• Type of leaves: The type of leaves is important to determine the amount of sun the tree requires and to be able to care for it properly.
• Reliable supplier: It is important to choose a reliable supplier who offers guarantees and who can answer any questions you have about the care of your bonsai.

Remember that an olive bonsai requires time and patience to grow and develop, so you must be willing to invest time and effort in its care. But without a doubt, the final result will be a beautiful and unique bonsai that will accompany you for many years.