Olive tree

Olive tree (Olea europaea) - classic evergreen Mediterranean tree, one of the best for bonsai:
- lives for tens of years;
- tolerates pruning well;
- forms a beautiful old trunk;
- growth: slow.

Lighting
- full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct light;
- south or southwest window.
Without sun, the leaves grow larger, the branches stretch out, and the tree weakens. 
In an apartment in winter, a grow light is required for 10–12 hours (see here)

Temperature and wintering
Spring-summer: +20...+30° C
Autumn: +10...+18° C
In winter, when dormant: +5...+10° C.
Without cold wintering, the olive tree becomes depleted, stops growing, and dies.
It can overwinter on a glassed-in balcony or cold loggia.

Watering
- Moderate but full.
- Water when the soil is almost completely dry.
- summer: 2–3 times a week;
- winter: once every 10–14 days;
- do not keep the soil constantly moist.
Use a watering indicator to monitor (see here)

Air humidity
- not demanding on humidity;
- spray only in extreme heat to wash away dust;
- high humidity in winter increases the risk of fungal infection.

Soil for olive bonsai
Ideal composition:
50% akadama
30% pumice
20% coarse sand and lava (drainage)

or

30% akadama
40% pumice
30% lava (drainage)

Organic additives up to 10% can be used (see here)

Repotting
- every 2–3 years in spring (before active growth);
- shorten roots by 30%;
- remove thick downward-growing roots;
- do not bury the root collar.
After repotting: partial shade for 2 weeks, no fertilizer for 1 month.

Pruning
- Structural pruning in early spring.
- Support throughout the summer, leaving 2 pairs of leaves.
- Does not like winter pruning.

Wire and bends
- Aluminum wire is applied in the spring, checked every 2 weeks.
- Old branches bend badly, it is better to shape young branches.

Leaf reduction is achieved by:
- bright lighting;
- regular pinching;
- moderate watering;
- limited root volume;
- complete defoliation, not recommended without experience.

Fertilizers
During the growth period: balanced (see here)
In autumn: less nitrogen.
In winter: do not fertilize.

Flowering and fruits
- Bonsai rarely flowers;
- Fruits deplete the tree;
- For health reasons, it is better to remove flowers.

Diseases and pests
- Scale insects.
- Spider mites.
- Fungal spots.
Prevention:
- Sunlight.
- Good ventilation.
- Dry soil in winter.
- Neem oil preparations (see here)

Common mistakes
- Warm wintering.
- Lack of sunlight.
- Frequent watering.
- Heavy soil.
- No pruning.