Olive tree bonsai, Ref. 3017

Olive tree (Olea europaea).

Age: 7 years
Height: 25 cm

An elegant tree symbolizing peace and longevity. Native Middle-eastern. Its silvery-green leaves, graceful crown shape and interesting trunk texture are prized among bonsai enthusiasts.

Placement
Near a south or southeast facing window.
Minimum sunlight 6-8 hours per day (can be in direct sun).
In summer it is recommended to keep the tree on a balcony, loggia or in the garden.

Temperature
Optimum growing temperature: +20...+28 °C.

Soil
Grows well on any well-drained soil up to pH 8.5.
Soil composition: acadam (50%) + pumice (25%) + lava and sand (25%).
Organic additives can be used: bark, humus (see here).

Watering
Moderate but regular watering.
Olives do not like stagnant water, drying out is also poorly tolerated.
Watering frequency in summer in the heat 1-2 times a day.
In winter, watering is reduced to 1-2 times a week, do not allow complete drying of the soil.

Air humidity
The plant tolerates dry air well, but regular spraying will help keep the leaves fresh.

Repotting
Every 2-3 years for young trees, 4-5 years for mature trees.
Repot in late winter/early spring, before growth begins.
Olive's root system is resistant to pruning, but no more than 1/3 of the roots at a time.

Pruning and shaping
Basic pruning is done in spring or late summer (after active growth).
Vertical shoots and shoots growing inwards towards the trunk are removed (shortened).
To maintain shape, the tips of young shoots are pinched throughout the growing season.
Wire shaping: use soft wire to give the branches the right direction. Check the wire every 2 weeks - it should not ingrow.
To avoid damaging the bark, remove the wire after 2-3 months.

Winterization
In winter, the tree prefers coolness: +5...+12 °C. Lowering the temperature to +5 °C is useful for natural dormancy.
The olive tree can tolerate short-term drops in temperature, but frosts are unacceptable.
In winter, it is important to provide additional light if the daylight hours are shortened.
Light is needed for 10 - 12 hours.

Fertilization
In spring and summer, feed the tree every 3-4 weeks with Biogold bonsai fertilizer (see here).
NPK 10-10-10 or with a lower nitrogen content for mature trees.
In the fall and winter, feedings are reduced to once every 1-2 months or discontinued if the tree is resting.

Pests and diseases
The olive tree is quite resistant, but can be attacked by:
Scrooge
Spider mites
Aphids
Diseases:
Root rot (if overwatered)
Fungal leaf diseases (less common)
Prevention: Do not overwater, ventilate, treat with insecticides and fungicides at first signs.

Possible problems
Yellowing and falling of leaves: may be due to lack of light or overwatering.
Slow growth: indicates soil depletion or nutrient deficiency.
Dry leaves: possibly due to lack of moisture or too dry air.