Dwarf Black Olive

Adjust your watering schedule so that the soil is moist but never soggy. Water your Dwarf Black Olive about once a week (more often during hot weather or if pots are kept indoors). This will help keep the roots and soil consistently moist and provide the nutrients that the plant needs. Test the soil’s moisture or watch for wilting to determine when to water your plant.

This plant prefers full sun and will reliably bloom in spots that receive light for at least 8 hours day. If you plan on keeping the plant indoors, it should be placed in a bright location. However, you should take care to protect the plant from direct sunlight that could potentially scorch its leaves. Furthermore, try not to expose the plant to any direct drafts, cold or hot, that may damage the plant.

This plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 Fahrenheit during the day, and around 10 degrees cooler at night (50-60 Fahrenheit). If temperatures in your area are lower than this type of temperature, make sure to keep the plant in a protected spot away from any cold drafts. When temperatures are too cold, the leaves may drop.

This plant prefers humid conditions and needs to be kept in an environment with at least 40 to 60 percent humidity. This can be achieved by misting the leaves with water regularly or augmenting humidity with a humidifier. You should also monitor the environment for any potential high-humidity sources such as pipes or stoves which can damage your Dwarf Black Olive.

This plant prefers a soil that drains well, such as a loamy or sandy soil. The soil should also be neutral to mildly acidic with a pH level of 6.5-7.5. To increase the drainage of soil you can also mix in some prepared sand or perlite when repotting. If planting in a garden, it helps to improve the soil with aged compost for the best results.

Your Dwarf Black Olive should be fertilized regularly during the growing season with a liquid or a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months, or the plant may become overstimulated and not produce ample flowers. Depending on the age of your plant, you may also supplement organically-rich fertilizer into the soil once a year or every other year. Use a balanced, water soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar.

Dwarf Black Olive is not immune to pests, and common pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies. If you find any of these pests, the best way to treat them is to first remove them by wiping them off with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Then, use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray to kill off the leftover pests. Be sure to use a product that is approved for indoor use if applying indoors.

Dwarf Black Olive is best repotted during the late spring or early summer. Make sure to use fresh, moist soil when repotting, paying attention to drainage. When planting in containers, make sure the container has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repotting should be done in intervals of every 2-3 years.

Prune your Dwarf Black Olive to keep it in a neat shape and keep its size manageable. Pruning is best done in the spring just before the plant begins to bloom. To prevent any damage to the plant, make sure you prune only dead or damaged branches. Also take care to properly disinfect your pruning tools between snips to avoid spreading any disease.

When grown outdoors, you may also wish to mulch around the base of the plant. This will help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots cool during the summer months. A layer of organic mulch like shredded bark or straw should be applied around the plant and replenished every spring.

Dwarf Black Olive can be propagated by stem cuttings or seed in the spring. For stem cuttings, take cuttings from existing branches and place in moist soil and a warm spot. Cover them with plastic to keep the soil damp and to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to form roots and can then be transplanted into their own pots. For seed, sow seeds in moist soil during late winter or early spring, and cover lightly with soil. Keep moist and provide warmth and light for the plants as they grow.

For taller varieties, this plant may need some extra support to prevent damage from wind or rain. Consider staking or trellising your Dwarf Black Olive, or any other kind of support to protect it from breaking during storms.

This plant does not require a rest period, but let it go dormant in the winter months if potted and placed indoors. This will help prevent the plant from becoming overwatered and stressed. The plant should stay relatively dormant during the winter months.

Dwarf Black Olive is a toxic plant when eaten, and it is not safe for cats and dogs. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately.