Soil for Olive tree

[Bcrary3]

Olea Europaea, better known as the olive tree. I purchased one of these the other day and from what I have read they are a bit different in the soil they need. From what other sources have told me, I should be using a mixture of 50% or more inert rock (Gran-I-grit, others) about 50% bark mulch, and no more than 0-1% peat, loess, or coir.

This is a pretty easy thing to mix, only thing is, the only places that carry bark mulch they say it is 'only for Orchids'. Rather than using the bark mulch soil, is there anything else I can use to make a well draining soil for this olive tree? I was thinking 60% pebbles (approx. 1/4") and 40% natural organic (homemade) compost. Anyone have any tips, suggestions? Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks all

 

[bonsai barry]

I have olives in a soil mixture that is about 40% lava rock, 40% pumice (Drystall) and 20% Orchid bark that has been sifted. Seems to work for me.

 

[jkd2572]

Composted pine bark here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Composted-P...248?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec9bfe9c0

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Composted pine bark here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Composted-P...248?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec9bfe9c0

That's a good seller, I'd recommend.


Psst, clear out your inbox you noob

 

[Bcrary3]

I have olives in a soil mixture that is about 40% lava rock, 40% pumice (Drystall) and 20% Orchid bark that has been sifted. Seems to work for me.

I might try that. Would it work just as well with river pebbles?

And I have never heard of pumice being used in gardening... I assume you mean whole rocks (Whatever pumice stones are called)? Unless you mean like powdered pumice rubbing compound?

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I have one that did well under led last winter and continues to do well outside for the summer in 50/50 lava scoria and turface with a sprinkling of long grain spahgnum mixed in. I keep choping it back and it keeps back budding; tiny little guy though

 

[bonsai barry]

I might try that. Would it work just as well with river pebbles?

And I have never heard of pumice being used in gardening... I assume you mean whole rocks (Whatever pumice stones are called)? Unless you mean like powdered pumice rubbing compound?

This pumice is sold as a substrate for horse stalls hence the name, "Drystall". It's fairly cheap... about $15 for forty pounds. It is light and about the size of river pebbles. I sift it to get the small stuff out to increase its ability to drain quickly. Generally, rocks with sharper edges (like the lava) is considered to be superior to river pebbles. The lava I get at a brick and building material and landscaping supply lot.

 

[Paul2229]

I use around 70% diatomite and 30% peat which works well in my climate.

for cuttings I use 100% diatomite, ive flat cut olives with a ten inch base and got them to root using diatomite.

 

[Bcrary3]

This pumice is sold as a substrate for horse stalls hence the name, "Drystall". It's fairly cheap... about $15 for forty pounds. It is light and about the size of river pebbles. I sift it to get the small stuff out to increase its ability to drain quickly. Generally, rocks with sharper edges (like the lava) is considered to be superior to river pebbles. The lava I get at a brick and building material and landscaping supply lot.

For the time being the river rocks should work though? Just put a layer in below the dirt or do I want to mix them together?

 

[bonsai barry]

For the time being the river rocks should work though? Just put a layer in below the dirt or do I want to mix them together?

I don't use dirt at all. Before doing any transplanting, try reading a bit more about bonsai "soil". Olives are pretty resilient but I've killed them by having soil that did not drain well and eventually they got root rot.

Check out this short article:
http://bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Soils.html

 

[jkd2572]

Give me a couple of days and I will find you a source on eBay for a nice aggregate. To add to the composted pine bark.

 

[Bcrary3]

From what I am gathering, skip out on dirt completely, use aged pine bark and aggregate/ rock? What should I do if I cannot find aged pine bark and or it is simply out of budget?

 

[Bcrary3]

Sorry for the double post, I dunno if this will help any in determining what type of soil to use, but I live in south central Wisconsin (USDA zone 5a)

 

[Poink88]

I bought 3 olive and the soil used by the nursery ranges from highly organic to mostly sand. They all seem to work fine. YMMV but hope it helps.

In your area, I would probably go with mostly inorganic (what ever is available - turface, DE, sand, lava, decomposed granite, etc.) and amend with some bark. Good luck!

 

[JudyB]

I use a completely inorganic soil for my Eu. olive. Being in a colder winter area, I'm hoping that you have a winter protection plan for your tree. The one thing they despise is being wet and cold. You can keep them fairly wet when the temps are warm, but the combo of wet and cold will kill them. So that's why I don't do an organic soil, it keeps it from staying too wet in the colder seasons. And they don't mind being on the dry side in the summer either.

 

[Anthony]

The small of leaf type, grown down here from seed, grows in a simple mix of inorganic and compost. Doesn't need much compost, say 1 part out of 5 inorganic.
Just to boast, this one is from 83 and the source was 2 great folk from the South African botannical gardens. They brought a pound of seed as a gift.

Placement is full sun.
Good Morning
Anthony

 

[JudyB]

Anthony, I would like to ask you to please not try to give advice to people who live in a cold climate, who are also new to bonsai and to the forum. Or at least let them know that you live in a completely different place in the world. There is basically no correlation to correct care for them, and if they are new here, they may not realize that fact.
Thank you.

 

[Bcrary3]

Thanks everyone, I guess what I will do is a 60-40 mix of pine bark and 1/8" crushed granite or lava rock.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Give me a couple of days and I will find you a source on eBay for a nice aggregate. To add to the composted pine bark.

Jeremy, do you sift the bark you use?

 

[JudyB]

Thanks everyone, I guess what I will do is a 60-40 mix of pine bark and 1/8" crushed granite or lava rock.

60% pine bark? I think that is far too much for an olive in your climate. What is your winter protection plan for this tree if I might ask??