Lance-leaved Olive
olea lancea
Also known as: ["Lance-leaved Olive Tree","African Olive"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to Madagascar, characterized by lance-shaped leaves and small, olive-like fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Olea |
| Botanical Name: | Olea lancea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot or container on a patio
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors; protect from harsh midday sun to avoid scorching; place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pH is within optimal range.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (15–25°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost; thrives in stable conditions without extreme fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain stable conditions during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Fertilize during active growth; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Cut just below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use a cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; avoid leaving stubs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead or crossing branches; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (2–5 cm wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting; stunted growth; buds failing to open.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback; can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a heat mat if necessary; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; reduced flowering; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist leaves in the morning to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; use appropriate fertilizer; follow dilution instructions; avoid overfertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicOlea lancea berries are slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The berries may cause mild gastrointestinal distress due to their oil content, but serious toxicity is rare unless consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicOlea lancea berries can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The high oil content in the berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe poisoning is unlikely unless consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOlea lancea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high oil content. The plant does not produce significant toxic compounds that would pose a serious health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Olea lancea suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation due to its tree-like growth habit.
Q: Does Olea lancea produce edible fruits?
A: The fruits are small and olive-like but are not commonly consumed for culinary purposes.
Q: How often should Olea lancea be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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