We never thought the day would come that the fiddle leaf fig didn’t reign supreme as the ultimate indoor plant. Characterised by veined, dinner-plate-sized leaves in rich emerald green, the fiddle leaf fig or ficus lyrata has taken centre stage in our homes since it first came into vogue some five years ago. But its reign is over.
A hot new plant is about to take its place, and if you pay close attention to homes of interiors designers and architects, then you may even already have noticed this aesthetic newcomer. As the headline of this story suggests, the next big trend in indoor plants is the indoor olive tree.
Olive trees are characterised by waxy green leaves with a matte, silvery underside that branch out from spindly arms against a grey, knotted trunk. They’re scultpural, dreamy, and commanding in the space, appearing almost like a mini bonsai tree.
You may consider the olive tree to be an outdoor plant; a staple of the Mediterranean-style home and usually positioned in the focal point of a sunny courtyard. But the humble olive tree can actually thrive indoors and in pots, too.
Olive trees prefer bright sunlight, so provided your plant can sit in a warm spot and get around six hours of sun each day, your tree should prosper inside. Of course, being that some olive trees are fruit-bearing and require pollination to thrive, it likely won’t be able to live inside forever, but it’ll give you a few good years.
When it comes to watering, it’s best to give your tree a good drench once every two to four weeks, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry completely in between drinks. For a thriving plant, take the pot outside every few months and water the whole thing, including the underside of the leaves, with a hose. Olive trees need movement and air to flourish, so make sure you’re giving it this fighting chance.
An olive tree makes for a stunning statement that instantly injects a laid-back vibe into your space. Paired with white or neutral walls, textured linen and woven elements, your olive tree will transport you to the Greek islands, and you’ll feel as relaxed at home as you would sitting on a balcony in Santorini, watching the sunset with a drink in hand. Okay so owning an indoor olive tree isn’t quite the same as island hopping, but still. It’s a good look.
Right now, you can find a variety of olive tree species at your local Bunnings and Flower Power nurseries, starting from around $12 for small sprouts. The bigger the plant, the higher the cost, so expect to fork out a few hundred if you’re seeking a larger tree.
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