Common Olive Tree (Olea europaea) Live Plant
The Common Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is a graceful Mediterranean evergreen with slender silver-green leaves and smooth gray bark — a timeless, sun-loving accent for bright rooms and patios.
✓ Carefully packed live plant · ✓ Ships across the continental U.S. · ✓ 48-hour live-arrival guarantee
Natural variation expected with live plants
Botanical Label
- Common name: Common Olive Tree
- Botanical name: Olea europaea
- Light: Bright, with some gentle direct sun
- Water: when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Difficulty: Moderate — a little particular but rewarding.
- Growth style: Silvery-green leaves on a Mediterranean tree.
- Mature size: Grows into a fuller plant over time — mature size can vary by growing conditions.
- Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions.
- Pet safety: Pet-friendly — considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). As with any plant, discourage pets from nibbling.
- Best for: Shelves, desks, and bright corners.
- Vibe/personality: A characterful foliage houseplant.
Curator's Note: Common Olive Tree is grown for its silvery-green leaves on a Mediterranean tree — the olive tree (Olea europaea), a sun-loving Mediterranean evergreen; considered non-toxic to pets. It brings a fresh, living accent to a bright spot indoors.
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
- Eye-catching silvery-green leaves on a Mediterranean tree
- Approachable, houseplant-friendly care
- Adds a fresh, leafy feel to a room
- Grows fuller and more established over time
- A lovely pick for a gift or your own collection
Care Notes from the Greenhouse
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun keeps Common Olive Tree full and colorful — a few hours of gentle sun is ideal, but avoid harsh midday sun.
- Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry — Common Olive Tree likes to dry out a bit between waterings and dislikes soggy soil. Water less in winter.
- Humidity: Average household humidity is fine; it appreciates a little extra but doesn't need it.
- Temperature: Typical room temperatures (about 65–80°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents.
- Soil: A good, well-draining potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter.
- Good to know: It needs the brightest, sunniest spot you have (ideally some direct sun) and prefers to dry out between waterings with sharp drainage.
- Care tip: Give it the right light and consistent watering, and Common Olive Tree stays full and healthy.
Best Display Spots
- A bright spot with indirect light: where it can really thrive.
- Shelf or plant stand: an easy, leafy accent.
- Desk or tabletop: a fresh touch of green.
- Living-room corner: a calm, green accent.
- Office with good light: low-fuss greenery.
Best For / Think Twice If
Best for:
- Bright, indirect-light spots
- Growers who enjoy a little hands-on care
- Shelves, desks, and brightening a corner
Think twice if:
- Very dark rooms
- People who tend to overwater — it dislikes soggy soil
- Dim spots with no bright or direct light
- Anyone wanting a totally hands-off plant
Botanical Exhibit Notes
- Common Olive Tree is the olive tree (Olea europaea), a sun-loving Mediterranean evergreen; considered non-toxic to pets.
- It does best in bright light with a little direct sun — the right light keeps it full and healthy.
- It adapts to normal household humidity, which makes it easy to place.
- It is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), making it a pet-friendly choice.
- With steady care it can live and grow for years indoors, though its size and look can vary depending on growing conditions.
From Our Greenhouse to Your Home
Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit.
During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue.
Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives.
Plant Questions, Answered
How often should I water Common Olive Tree?
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy.
What kind of light does Common Olive Tree need?
Bright light with some direct sun keeps Common Olive Tree full and colorful — a few hours of gentle sun is ideal, but avoid harsh midday sun.
Is Common Olive Tree pet safe?
Yes — Common Olive Tree is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), a popular pet-friendly choice. As with any plant, it's best to discourage pets from nibbling.
Why is my olive tree dropping leaves?
Usually too little light or overwatering. Give it the sunniest spot possible, let it dry between waterings, and ensure sharp drainage.
Plant care at a glance
- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Care level
- Moderate