Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I bought this olive tree at the local market a few months ago. It seemed to be dying, leaves falling off etc, but at the same time got this new weak growth at the top. I did some research and replanted it in some cactus soil. It seems to be doing better, but what should my next step be for training?
Has anyone trained an olive tree before? If so, any hints on making it healthier?
Thanks!!
It looks as though it needs much more light. I suspect that the leaf fall was a result of being brought into a low light environment after being grown in a green house.
Since you have recently repotted it, I would suggest giving it a year to grow and settle in. I am not familiar with olives as house plants, however the bonsai books and forums recommend taking things one step at a time. Root disturbance, pruning and wiring are all stressful to the plant. Too much to soon can kill your potential bonsai.
when spring comes and the temps settle that olive will appreciate being outside. Hopefully some of the older growth will backbud by then. It looks like your olive will be a clip and grow bonsai, with nice twiggy growth.
Check out the bonsai4me website. They have cultivation and training tips for olive listed.
Beth
Hi,
Thanks so much for your reply. I think light is a problem all around for my plants in the house. I don't know why, all my neighboors have lots of plants in their windows, I've noticed it seems to be a cultural thing over here, I move it to my window every morning, and once it stops snowing around here, I'm going to put it outside for light on my balcony.
Thanks again!!
