Maintenance Landscaping Design

Faux olive tree is a great addition to any home. It is beautiful and realistic looking, and it is a great way to add some greenery to your home without having to worry about watering it or keeping it alive.

Also called

• Fiddle-leaf fig
  
• Weeping fig
  
• Rubber tree
  
• Snake plant
  
• Boston fern

Good to Know

• Faux olive trees are not actually olive trees.
  
• They are typically made from a plastic or silk material.
  
• Faux olive trees can be found in a variety of sizes.
  
• They are often used as decoration in homes and businesses.
  
• Faux olive trees can be found in a variety of colors, including green, black, and white.
  
• Olive trees are native to Africa, Asia, and Europe.
  
• The olive tree is a symbol of peace.
  
• Olive oil is used in a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and medicine.
  
• Olive trees can live for hundreds of years.
  
• The oldest olive tree in the world is believed to be over 3,000 years old.

Related plant:
Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Planting Process

1. For faux olive tree, first step is measure the space and make sure that it will accommodate the size of tree chosen.
   
2. Second step is to decide on the location of the tree.
   
3. The third step is to prepare the planting hole. The planting hole should be twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
4. The fourth step is to remove the tree from the container and gently loosen any roots that are circling the root ball.
   
5. Fifth step is to position the tree in the planting hole so that it is centered and the tree’s trunk is perpendicular to the ground.
   
6. Sixth step is to fill in the planting hole with the removed soil, tamping it down as you go to remove any air pockets.
   
7. Seventh step is to water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
   
8. Eighth step is to apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree, making sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree’s trunk.
   
9. Ninth step is to water the tree deeply once a week during the first growing season.
   
10. The final step is to fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best way to keep your faux olive tree happy is to make sure the pot has good drainage. If the pot does not have good drainage, the roots will rot and the tree will die. The best way to test the drainage is to stick your finger in the soil. If the soil is dry, it is well drained. If the soil is wet, it is poorly drained.

Light condition

Just like other plants, an olive tree needs the right amount of sun to survive. Too much sun will scorch the leaves, while not enough sun will cause the tree to produce fewer olives. The best location for an olive tree is in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is optimal for the growth of the olive tree. The average temperature for the olive tree is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature condition is also good for the development of the fruit. The average temperature for the fruit is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is moderate. The plant cannot tolerate low or high humidity conditions for long periods of time. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and drop off. If the air is too humid, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this plant will do best with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Rootbound plants will benefit from being transplanted into a larger pot.

Light requirement

Pruning your faux olive tree is a great way to keep it looking its best. pruning also helps encourage new growth and can even help the tree live longer. To prune your tree, start by trimming away any dead or dying branches. Then, cut back any branches that are growing too close together. Finally, trim away any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by taking stem cuttings from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a potting mix that is well-draining and kept moist. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into their own pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the size of the pot it is in. For smaller pots, the growth is usually slower due to the lack of space for the roots to spread out. The type of potting soil can also affect the growth rate, as well as the amount of water and fertilizer the tree receives.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turns yellow and fall off. Also, the plant can get brown spots on the leaves. These problems are usually caused by too much sunlight or water.

Tips on Growing

• If possible, choose a south- or west-facing windowsill on which to place your tree.
  
• Fill a plant pot with a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
  
• Water your tree regularly, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
  
• Feed your tree every few weeks with a liquid fertilizer designed for olive trees.
  
• Prune your tree regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  
• Avoid placing your tree in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests, such as scale insects and mealybugs, and treat them promptly if found.
  
• Check the roots of your tree regularly and replant in a larger pot if necessary.
  
• When the leaves of your tree start to turn yellow, it is an indication that it is not getting enough light. Move the tree to a brighter location

Alternative Plants

• Ficus microcarpa 'Thundercloud'
  
• Ficus carica
  
• Ficus elastica
  
• Ficus racemosa
  
• Ficus palmata
  
• Ficus variabilis
  
• Ficus benjamina
  
• Ficus natalensis
  
• Ficus lyrata
  
• Ficus cordata

Source:
Olive | University of Redlands
Olea europaea (Common olive) | North Carolina Extension …
Autumn Olive - Penn State Extension