6 Expert-Approved Ways to Keep Your Indoor Olive Tree Thriving

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Olive trees naturally thrive in the dry, hot climate of the Mediterranean. But more and more designers and plant parents have been keeping them as potted indoor trees of late, raising the question: Can a tree that loves to bask in the sun survive indoors?

The answer is yes—with the right care. "For millennia, olive trees have been known for their resilience, and that's true indoors as well," says Mickey Popat, founder of PlantOGram.com, which ships olive trees around the world. "But there are some key things they need to try to thrive." Here are his top 6 tips for caring for your indoor olive tree.

Mickey Popat is the founder of PlantOGram, a site that specializes in mail-order fruit trees.

1. Don't Skimp on Light

"The number one thing an olive tree needs is sunlight," says Popat. Place your potted tree in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light—"south- or west-facing windows are ideal," he says.

If your home doesn't get a lot of light, Popat recommends buying a grow light. "If you have a high-quality, full-spectrum grow light, you could even grow an olive tree in a basement," he says.

2. Good Drainage Is a Must

Olive trees don't do well when their roots stay soggy, so if you're repotting the tree, be sure to use a cactus or succulent mix, which has excellent drainage. "People can have problems if they use a regular potting soil because it doesn't drain well enough," says Popat.

3. Don't Overwater

Olive trees don't need a ton of water. "As a basic rule of thumb, an indoor olive tree usually needs to be watered every 7 to 10 days in the warmer months, and every 14 days in the cooler ones," says Popat. But the best way to determine if it's ready to water, he says, is to regularly put your finger in the soil. Water when it's dry to about 2 inches deep.

4. Keep Away from Vents

As with any houseplant, olive trees should be kept away from heating and A/C vents, which have an overly drying effect on the plant. Unlike many other houseplants, however, olive trees don't need to be misted or placed near a humidifier to boost humidity, since they are not from tropical climates.

5. Fertilize Sparingly

To boost growth, Popat recommends applying a slow-release fertilizer to your indoor olive tree once in early spring and once in early summer. "I suggest applying only 70% to 75% of what the manufacturers' directions suggest. Over fertilizing leads to leaves burning, so it's better to be on the safe side."

6. Take It Outside in the Warmer Months

If you have an outdoor space that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight, consider moving your indoor tree outside once the weather is consistently above 40°F. "The natural sunlight, fresh air, and gentle breeze mimic their Mediterranean roots and help the plant grow stronger, fuller, and more vibrant," says Popat.

To ease the transition between indoors and out, place the tree in a shady spot for the first 2-3 days, he says. Don't panic if you see a few dropped leaves as the plant gets used to its new location—"they can be sensitive to temperature changes, but they adapt easily," says Popat. And while the tree is outdoors, you will need to water more often.