Problems with Olive Trees in Pots and How to Solve Them

Olive trees’ silvery leaves and sculptural form bring a Mediterranean feel to patios, balconies, and small gardens. However, growing olive trees in pots comes with its own set of challenges. When confined to a container, these resilient trees need extra care and attention. Knowing the most common problems with olive trees in pots and how to solve them is essential for anyone hoping to enjoy their beauty year-round. 

How to Plant Olive Trees in Pots

Olive trees are resilient plants, and giving them a strong start can help you avoid problems later on. Follow these expert tips to choose the ideal potted olive tree for your home or garden:

1. Assess Your Growing Conditions
   Make sure your environment is suitable for olive trees. They are native to the warm, sunny, and dry conditions of the Mediterranean. If your location doesn’t naturally offer this climate, consider using grow lights or a greenhouse to recreate the ideal conditions.
2. Choose the Right Variety
   Select a variety that aligns with your climate and growing setup. If you live in a cooler area, go for a cold-hardy type like Frantoio or Leccino. For indoor growing, a dwarf variety such as Skylark Dwarf or Little Ollie is a great option.
3. Select a Suitable Pot
   The right container plays a key role in your tree's health. Choose a pot that's 4–5 inches wider than the tree's root ball to give it room to grow. Be sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
4. Transplant with Care
   When planting, use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A high-quality commercial potting mix with perlite or vermiculite works well. After transplanting, water thoroughly and place the tree in a sunny spot.

Overwatering

Olive trees are built to withstand dry spells, not soggy soil. If your tree’s leaves are turning yellow or its stems feel soft and mushy, you’re likely giving it too much love with the watering can. Overwatering drowns the roots, cutting off their oxygen and creating the perfect breeding ground for root rot and other fungal problems. 

How to Fix It

• Stop watering until the soil is thoroughly dry. In the worst cases, you may need to repot the tree in a fresh, dry mix.
• Adjust your watering routine—only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Reduce watering during cooler months when the tree’s growth naturally slows.
• Make sure your pot and soil provide proper drainage. If not, switch them to the better-draining mix and a pot with sufficient drainage holes.

Underwatering

Although overwatering is a common issue, underwatering can be just as harmful. When olive trees don’t get enough water, the soil can become bone-dry, leading to brittle leaves, wilting, and slowed growth. In extreme cases, the tree may start shedding leaves to conserve moisture.

How to Fix it

• Water your plant immediately and thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the drainage holes
• Adjust your watering routine—only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Increase watering frequency during warmer months when the tree needs more moisture.

Lack of Sunlight

Olive trees are sun-loving plants that need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. When deprived of adequate sunlight, either due to indoor placement or a shaded outdoor location, olive trees may begin to show signs of stress. These include leggy, stretched-out growth, pale or yellowing leaves, slow development, and leaf drop.

How to Fix it

• Place your olive tree in the sunniest spot available. Outdoors, this means a south-facing area with little to no shade. Indoors, position the plant near a sunny-facing window
• If sufficient natural light isn’t available, especially during winter or in low-light homes, artificial lighting can be an effective solution. Grow lights designed for indoor plants can help supplement the natural sunlight. 

One reliable option is the Mars Hydro VG Series, which is compatible with various indoor gardening setups. It supports multiple lighting positions—including top, side, bottom, and under-lighting—making it ideal for solving the insufficient light exposure of taller plants, like slow growth, spindly stems, and narrow leaves. 

Cold Damage

Potted olive trees are more susceptible to cold temperatures than those planted in the ground. Since containers offer minimal insulation, the roots are more likely to freeze during cold snaps. Signs of cold damage include browning or blackened leaves and a generally wilted or droopy appearance.

How to Fix It

• For those in colder climates, you'd best keep a potted olive tree indoors or in a sheltered area throughout the year.
• If you live in a milder region, you'd best bring the pots indoors or place them in a sheltered spot during the winter.
• During short periods of frost, wrap the pots with insulating materials like burlap, bubble wrap, or fleece to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Nutrient Deficiency

One common challenge of growing olive trees in containers is nutrient depletion. Unlike trees planted in the ground, potted olives rely on a limited volume of soil, which gradually loses its nutrients over time. Without regular feeding, the tree can become undernourished. Signs of nutrient deficiency include pale or yellowing leaves, slow or stunted growth, and a general decline in overall health and vigor.

How to Fix It

• Regular feeding during its active growing season (spring through early fall) is essential.
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer that provides all the key nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals.
• You can also consider compost or organic matter to boost the soil’s nutrient content naturally.

Pests and Diseases

Olive trees in pots aren’t immune to pests. Common culprits include scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. These invaders can drain the tree’s vigor by sucking its sap, causing discoloration, leaf curl, and even defoliation. Diseases, particularly fungal diseases (e.g., peacock spot), strike when moisture lingers—either from overwatering, high humidity, or poor airflow. 

How to Fix It

• Always check the olive tree leaves and stalks as well as the soil for signs of pests and fungus. Timely detection will enable you to take timely action.
• For pests, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mix it with water according to the instructions and spray it on the leaves, making sure that both sides of the leaves are sprayed.
• For fungal diseases, enhance airflow around the tree, avoid wetting the leaves when watering, and ensure proper drainage to prevent moisture buildup

Root Bound 

When olive trees remain in the same container for too long, their roots may run out of space. This is known as being root-bound. You might notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or the tree becoming top-heavy and unstable. Growth can slow or stop entirely, even if other care factors seem perfect. 

How to Fix It

• Repot your olive tree in a new pot bigger than the old one every 1-2 years to keep up with its growing roots. 
• If roots are sneaking out the bottom, don't wait - it's time to repot regardless of schedule.
• During repotting, trim any roots that are circling endlessly or growing abnormally long. Always use sterilized shears for clean cuts that heal fast.

FAQs

Q1: What to plant around olive trees?

Choose companion plants like lavender, rosemary, thyme, marigolds, and chives. These share similar growing conditions with olive trees while naturally deterring pests and attracting pollinators.

Q2: How fast do olive trees grow in pots?

Potted olive trees typically grow 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) annually. Growth speed varies by variety, care quality, and environmental conditions.

Q3: Are coffee grounds good for potted olive trees?

Yes, mix a small amount of coffee grounds into compost or soil to add nitrogen and improve texture. For healthier results, pair with crushed eggshells to balance pH.