The Black Olive Tree vs. the “regular” Olive Tree — can you tell which is which?

Olive Trees and Black Olive Trees, also known as Bucida Buceras or Shady Lady, are both popular choices for landscaping and gardening. However, these two trees are not related beyond the similarity in name and look, and have some key differences that set them apart.

Olive trees, also known as Olea europaea, are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are known for their small, gray-green leaves and gnarled trunks, and can be cared for when placed in bright, direct light. Olive Trees can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 40 feet in height and width. They are also evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round.

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One of the most notable characteristics of Olive Trees is their ability to produce olives, unsurprisingly a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and are used to make olive oil, which is widely used for cooking and in cosmetics. Olive trees are also drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for dry climates. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and can be grown in a variety of soils including clay, loam, and sandy soil.

On the other hand, Shady Lady Trees or Black Olive Trees are much smaller and more compact than Olive Trees. They typically grow to be around 20 feet tall and wide. They are also evergreen, but their leaves are slightly more rounded than those of Olive Trees and have a glossy, dark green color. They are slow-growing, which makes them a great choice for small gardens or as a patio tree.

One of the key differences between Black Olive Trees and “regular” Olive Trees is their preferred growing conditions. While Olive Trees prefer full sun, Black Olive Trees are more tolerant of shade. In fact, they are often used as an indoor alternative to Olive Trees.

Another difference between these two trees is the fruit they produce. While Olive Trees produce olives, Black Olive Trees produce small, inedible black berries, and are used only for ornamental purposes.

Both trees are beautiful and versatile options but we generally recommend Olive Trees for outdoor settings and Black Olive Trees for indoors.

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Black Olive Tree

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The Snake Plant and Jade Pothos, basking in winter light. Photo by @thenamestesa

With the change of seasons, it's natural to wonder how your beloved houseplants are faring in the winter months. There are many myths and misconceptions about house plants going dormant during winter, and it's time to debunk any myths!

Dormancy in Winter

Do Plants Need Less Care in the Winter?

Repotting in Winter

Temperatures in Winter

Light Conditions in Winter

Dormancy in Winter

While many outdoor plants and trees shed their leaves and go dormant in winter, most common houseplants don't follow the same pattern. Houseplants come from a variety of climates, and many, including many from our collection at Leon & George, are native to tropical regions where winter is just a slightly cooler and drier season. While kept indoors, these conditions are generally kept pretty constant as well, except for shorter days in winter. So, unless your houseplant is specifically adapted to a dormant period, it's likely to keep growing year-round, though it is not uncommon for houseplants to grow much more slowly during the winter months than they do during spring and summer. 

Do Plants Need Less Care in the Winter?

While most houseplants may not go dormant, their growth may slow down during the winter. This can sometimes be mistaken for dormancy, but in reality, your plant is just conserving energy since there is less daylight this time of year. This reduced growth means they require less water and fertilizer, but it doesn't mean you can forget about them. Houseplants still need regular attention and care throughout the year. Consider reducing your watering frequency and amount, and definitely reduce fertilizer use– in fact, most fertilizers are too strong to use during the winter, but our natural plant food is gentle enough to use all year round (just reduce to once per month in the winter!). 

Repotting in Winter

In general, it's best to avoid repotting your houseplants during the winter months. Repotting can stress the plant, and during the winter, they are already dealing with lower light levels and potentially cooler temperatures. Wait until the growing season in spring to give your houseplants a fresh start, and only repot if absolutely necessary, for example, your plant has been overwatered and is experiencing root rot.

Temperatures in Winter

While many common houseplants can often tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in winter, most generally prefer to be kept in a stable, warm environment. Most common houseplants come from tropical regions where temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. Sudden drops in temperature can stress your plants, so try to keep your home in the same temperature range throughout the year. 

Light Conditions in Winter

While some houseplants may require less light during the winter due to their slowed growth, many still need their usual requirements, in some cases plenty of bright, indirect light. Make sure to place your plants near windows where they can receive enough light to keep them happy. If you live in an area with long, dark winters, you might consider supplementing with grow lights to keep your plants thriving, or at the very least, moving your plants around throughout the day to give them the light they need. 

The idea that houseplants universally go dormant in winter is more fiction than fact. It's crucial to understand your specific plant's needs and provide the right care year-round. While your plants might not be as active during the winter, they still rely on you for proper care and attention to remain happy and thrive!

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