Olive tree indoor gardening is quickly becoming one of the most stylish and rewarding ways to add greenery to your space. These graceful, silvery-leaved trees bring a Mediterranean charm to any room—and when properly cared for, they can even produce fruit indoors. While most olive trees naturally grow quite large outdoors, several smaller varieties are well-suited to indoor growing. With the right conditions and a bit of pruning, your olive tree can thrive inside for many years. In this guide, we’ll cover six of the best olive tree indoor types that fit beautifully into your home—and your plant care routine.
Table of Contents
1. Arbequina Olive Tree
The Arbequina olive tree is one of the top choices for growing an olive tree indoor, thanks to its compact size and adaptable nature. Originally from Spain, this variety is prized for its soft gray-green leaves, delicate branches, and its ability to thrive in containers.
When kept in a pot, Arbequina trees typically reach just 3–4 feet tall, making them perfect for small apartments, sunny kitchen corners, or cozy living rooms. With bright light and warm conditions, this olive tree can even begin fruiting within its first year, especially if it’s placed near a window that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Another reason indoor growers love Arbequina is its low chill requirement. Unlike some olive trees that need extended periods of cold to fruit, Arbequina can bear olives with only a brief chill period—making it a great fit for indoor environments where winter temperatures are mild.
To keep it looking lush, prune lightly each year and rotate the pot occasionally so all sides receive light evenly.
2. Koroneiki Olive Tree
If you’re looking for a hardy, resilient olive tree indoor, the Koroneiki olive tree is an ideal candidate. Native to southern Greece, this variety is well-known for its exceptional drought tolerance, which makes it a smart choice for those who may occasionally forget to water.
Koroneiki trees stay relatively small in containers, typically growing under 5 feet indoors with occasional pruning. Their slender, pointed leaves give them a tidy, elegant appearance that fits right into minimalist or Mediterranean-inspired interiors.
While it may take a little longer to fruit than some other types, the Koroneiki tree produces high-quality olives used in premium oils. With consistent sunlight—preferably in a south-facing window—and minimal humidity, this variety performs reliably inside.
For those living in dry climates or managing arid indoor air, the Koroneiki is especially forgiving. Just make sure to use a fast-draining soil mix and allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
3. Amfissa Olive Tree
For plant lovers working with limited space, the Amfissa olive tree is one of the most compact and manageable options for growing an olive tree indoor. This variety, native to central Greece, is known for its rounded growth habit and soft green leaves, making it an attractive and easy-to-style houseplant.
Amfissa trees are naturally small and slow-growing, typically staying around 3–4 feet tall in a container. That makes them an excellent fit for apartments, smaller homes, or sunny shelves where space is tight but style still matters.
Beyond its size, this olive tree is valued for its fruit. The small, flavorful olives are often brined or used to make smooth, aromatic oil. With proper lighting—at least 6 hours of direct sun—and a consistent watering routine, you may even coax your Amfissa tree into producing fruit indoors after a couple of seasons.
To maintain its compact shape and healthy growth, prune lightly once a year and keep it away from cold drafts or overly humid areas like bathrooms.
4. Mission Olive Tree
If you’re seeking a cold-tolerant olive tree indoor variety, the Mission olive tree is a reliable and attractive option. Originally developed by Spanish missionaries in California, this variety is known for its adaptability and impressive resilience in cooler indoor environments.
Mission olive trees are slightly larger than other compact types, but with regular pruning and a deep container, they can be kept around 5 feet tall indoors. Their deep green leaves and branching structure create a bold, sculptural presence in any bright room.
This variety is also one of the few indoor olives that can handle lower temperatures—making it ideal if your home stays on the cooler side in winter. Plus, it’s a dual-purpose producer: its fruit can be used for both brining and oil making, a bonus for those interested in edible harvests.
Place your Mission olive near a bright window or under a full-spectrum grow light, and avoid overwatering—these trees prefer dry roots between soakings.
5. Manzanilla Olive Tree
The Manzanilla olive tree is one of the most recognizable olive varieties in the world—and it happens to work surprisingly well as an olive tree indoor option. Native to Spain, this tree is famous for producing the classic green olives often found stuffed with pimentos or served at salad bars.
Indoors, the Manzanilla grows slowly and responds well to container life, especially when given a little pruning each year. Most houseplants reach about 3 to 5 feet tall, making them suitable for living rooms, sunrooms, or bright entryways.
While this variety is a bit more sensitive to cold drafts, it thrives in consistent indoor temperatures with plenty of light. Make sure to place it near a window that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun each day, and keep it away from exterior doors during the winter months.
The bonus? You’ll enjoy lush, oval-shaped leaves and the potential for fresh olives—right in your own home.
6. French Picholine Olive Tree
Elegant and easy to manage, the French Picholine olive tree is a refined choice for anyone wanting to grow an olive tree indoor with a touch of European charm. This variety is known for its sleek, narrow leaves and crisp, flavorful olives often used in traditional French cuisine.
When grown indoors, the Picholine tree adapts well to container life and can be kept to a tidy 3–4 feet in height with regular pruning. Its slender, upright shape makes it especially well-suited for modern interiors or smaller spaces where you want vertical interest without crowding the room.
This variety prefers a warm, sunny spot and benefits from being rotated every few weeks to encourage even growth. Like other olive trees, it needs well-draining soil and should be watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
The Picholine is a true multitasker—decorative, compact, and productive. With enough light and seasonal care, it may reward you with small harvests of crisp green olives you can brine yourself.
How to Care for an Olive Tree Indoors
No matter which variety you choose, the key to success with an olive tree indoor is creating the right environment. Olive trees are hardy, but they do have specific needs when grown inside a home.
Light and Temperature
Olive trees thrive on sunlight. Place your tree near a south-facing window where it can get 6–8 hours of direct sun each day. If natural light is limited, use a full-spectrum grow light to supplement.
They prefer warm, dry conditions, mimicking their native Mediterranean habitat. Avoid high-humidity rooms like bathrooms, and keep the plant away from cold drafts or heating vents.
Watering Schedule
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with olive trees. During winter dormancy, reduce watering frequency, only hydrating when the soil feels dry at least 2 inches deep.
Best Soil for Indoor Olive Trees
Use a fast-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. For better aeration, mix in some perlite or bark chips. Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and always empty the saucer after watering to prevent root rot.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Prune once a year to control size and shape. Focus on removing any crowded interior branches to improve light penetration and airflow. For fruiting trees, trim branches that previously bore fruit and preserve new growth, which is where next season’s olives will form.
Fertilizing Routine
Feed your indoor olive tree with a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the tree is dormant.
Conclusion
Bringing an olive tree indoor adds more than just greenery—it introduces timeless beauty, subtle fragrance, and even the potential for homegrown olives. From compact varieties like Amfissa and Arbequina to hardy options like Mission and Koroneiki, there’s a tree to match nearly every indoor space and care level. With the right light, soil, and occasional pruning, your indoor olive tree can thrive for years—offering both visual elegance and a satisfying plant care experience.