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If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and beautiful indoor tree, Arbequina Olive tree should be at the top of your list. Arbequina olive trees are native to Mediterranean countries and have become popular in the US for their delicious olives and fragrant blossoms.
The good news is that Arbequina olive tree is an evergreen plant that offers various benefits, from air purification to adding elegance to your space. However, growing any tree indoors can be a challenging job, and the Arbequina olive tree is no exception.
Read on to explore the origin, characteristics, and how to care for an Arbequina Olive tree. Check out this article if you wonder how to properly and successfully grow and care for black olive trees.
Arbequina Olive Trees’ Characteristics
The Arbequina Olive tree originated from the Mediterranean. It is a small tree with a maximum height of about 20 feet and grows best in warm, temperate climates. It thrives indoors in bright light and warm temperatures, making it an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
The leaves of a mature Arbequina Olive tree are elongated and have a distinctive green color, with a soft, velvety texture that gives the tree a glossy appearance.
The table below shows Arbequina olive trees’ characteristics
| Botanical Name | Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’ |
| Sunlight Requirement | – Requires full sunlight for about six hours or more daily. – Partial shade |
| Watering Requirements | – Water several times per week after first planting. After establishment – When the tree is flourishing in its pot, you can decrease watering. |
| Fertilizer Requirements | – Arbequina olive tree thrives with fertilizer formulas with plenty of nitrogen. – The general recommendation is to apply fertilizer once or twice per year in spring or fall. |
| Mature Size | – 20 ft (6.1 meters) – 12 ft (3.7 meters) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Soil Drainage | Arbequina olive tree does well in well-drained soil |
| Soil pH Level | Between 5.5 to 8.5 |
| Temperature Requirements | 60 to 68 °F (or 15 to 20 °C) |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | Between 8 to 10 |
| Region Of Origin | Mediterranean |
| Olive Trees Grow well in | – Patio – Container – Coastal |
How to Grow And Care For an Arbequina Olive Tree
Arbequina Olive tree is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for plant lovers who tend to forget to water. Occasional watering followed by letting the soil dry completely is the ideal method of caring for this plant.
Here’s how to grow and care for an Arbequina olive tree:
1- Choosing the Right Pot
The first step in growing an Arbequina olive tree indoors is to choose the right pot. It is important to pick a pot that is large enough for the tree to grow and has drainage holes.
I recommend you choose a pot made of a porous material such as clay or terracotta, which ensures proper airflow for the roots.
By choosing the right pot, soil, light, and water, you can ensure that your tree stays healthy and produces fragrant olives throughout the year.
2- Soil and Fertilizer
Arbequina olive trees require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. You can mix equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite for optimal growth.
In general, olive trees thrive in any well-drained with soil up to a pH of 8.5, and sand-dominated soils are best because olive trees are susceptible to root rot diseases in moist or wet soils (Source: University of Florida)
You can also add a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as fish emulsion or blood meal to the soil every two to three months to help the tree grow faster and produce more olives. Feed the plant once every two weeks or apply a slow-release fertilizer.
3- Lighting
Arbequina olive trees require full sun for optimal growth, so it is important to ensure that it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
If you live in an area with low sunlight levels, you can use grow lights to supplement the natural light.
4- Watering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by new gardeners. Arbequina olive trees require moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
It is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet to prevent root rot.
5- Plant Maintenance
Pruning is an important aspect of Arbequina olive tree maintenance. Pruning the tree regularly will help it maintain its shape and size. It is also important to remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Arbequina olive trees are self-pollinator, meaning they can use their pollen to fertilize and produce fruit. If you live in Florida, Arbequina olive trees have been the most popular in Florida (Source: University of Florida)
It is generally recommended that you prune your Arbequina olive tree during the dormant season to control the size and shape of the tree.
Tips For Growing Arbequina Olive Tree
To grow an Arbequina Olive tree indoors:
- Ensure its location has plenty of light.
- Place it near a south or east-facing window, where it can get no less than six hours of sunlight each day (Source: University of Washington)
- Ensure the temperature of the room stays between 60-80°F.
- Avoid putting the plant in drafty areas, such as next to doors and windows, and away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents.
- Ensure that the plant is placed in a pot with good drainage to avoid the roots from getting too soggy.
Benefits Of Adding Arbequina Olive tree To Indoor Space
Aside from its aesthetic value, the Arbequina Olive tree also offers practical benefits. Being an evergreen tree makes it an excellent choice for cleaning and purifying the air in your home or office.
Furthermore, the tree also provides you with fresh olives you can consume or even use in home recipes.
What to read next:
- Best Tips For Growing and Caring For Healthy Olive Trees.
- How to Grow Olive Trees Indoors Effectively And Successfully: Here’s How!
- The Best Olive Trees that You Can Successfully Grow Indoors with Ease!
Wrapping Up
The Arbequina Olive tree is a stunning and incredibly easy-to-grow plant. It requires relatively little effort and offers benefits such as air purification.
Its beautiful appearance, coupled with its low maintenance, makes it ideal for indoor planting. With the right care, your Arbequina Olive tree can be a long-lasting and beneficial addition to your indoor space.