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Dwarf olive tree sad

c544p9dfhtQIoSOsrDc544p9dfhtQIoSOsrD Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have a potted dwarf olive tree and I can’t seem to get it right. It’s in a large pot will full afternoon sun. I don’t know if I’m over or under watering. The soil isn’t “wet” but it’s not dry either. Any thoughts?

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2022
    @c544p9dfhtQIoSOsrD When you water it have you checked that the water is running freely out of the bottom of the pot? Welcome.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I can't see much wrong with tbh.
    Although evergreen, leaves don't last forever and your tree will drop the older ones as and when they wear out.
    Do you feed it?
    I'give mine seaweed extract about once every 2-3 weeks in the growing season and it's been happy in its pot for about 15 years.

    As said above drainage is important and the pots should be on pot feet or similar if it's not already.
    Is it in a a soil-based compost? 

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • c544p9dfhtQIoSOsrDc544p9dfhtQIoSOsrD Posts: 2
    Thanks for the replies! I don’t always water all the way through but if I give it enough water it does come out the bottom. It’s been raining a lot so hard to gauge how much water it’s been getting tbh. 

    Although it’s not dying it generally feels droopy and sad. The curling leaves make me think it’s not getting enough water but I’m so afraid to over water it. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Pete.8  has asked if it is a soil based compost, I am no expert but it would need to be free draining.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    I didn't water my pot-grown mophead olive in the spring.  All the leaves died. A watering and prune, and it's now fine.

    Mediterranean plants require more water than you might think.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 119
    I've always struggled with woodlice getting into my pots and damaging (eating?) the roots. I have now got pots on feet which is supposed to help. Worth checking out.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited September 2022
    I have several home-trained bonsai, woodlice gather under to pots and probably get up and into the compost.  Never a problem. What damage do your woodlice do?

    PS.  A fat toad often lurks under one of my wheelies.  I collect the woodlice and put them by her.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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