Should I cut the brown tips off my aloe plant?

Brown, dry leaf tips on an aloe plant are normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. You can use clean scissors to trim off any dry, cracked tips to improve the plant's appearance.

Why is my aloe vera plant turning brown and soft?

Soft, mushy, and browning leaves on an aloe vera plant are telltale signs of overwatering or root rot. Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Remove any mushy, rotten leaves.

What does aloe rot look like?

Aloe rot typically appears as soft, mushy, discolored leaves that turn brown or black. The leaves may also smell foul when the plant is severely overwatered and rotting from the roots.

How to tell when aloe needs water?

One of the clearest signs your aloe vera needs water is when its plump leaves start to wrinkle, shrivel and become thinner. Smooth, plump leaves indicate the plant is adequately hydrated.

Is Epsom salt good for aloe vera plants?

Epsom salt can be beneficial for aloe vera plants when used sparingly. The magnesium and sulfur help promote lush, green growth and can aid with seed germination. However, too much can build up salt levels and damage the plant.

Olive Tree Care Guide

Nov 17

Written By goodroots collective

Olive trees (Olea europaea) have been cherished for centuries, celebrated for their silvery-green leaves, rustic beauty, and, of course, their fruit. Whether you’re cultivating one for its aesthetics or with hopes of producing your own olives, understanding how to care for an olive tree is essential for its longevity and health. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and maintaining a thriving olive tree.

    
    Olive Tree Information
    
            Characteristic
            Details
        
            Common Names
            Olive tree
        
            Botanical Name
            Olea europaea
        
            Family
            Oleaceae
        
            Plant Type
            Perennial, Tree
        
            Mature Size
            4-6 ft. indoors, 20-30 ft. outdoors
        
            Sun Exposure
            Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight)
        
            Soil Type
            Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy
        
            Soil pH
            Neutral to slightly alkaline
        
            Bloom Time
            Spring
        
            Flower Color
            White
        
            Hardiness Zones
            8-11 (USDA)
        
            Native Area
            Mediterranean region

Characteristic	Details
Common Names	Olive tree
Botanical Name	Olea europaea
Family	Oleaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, Tree
Mature Size	4-6 ft. indoors, 20-30 ft. outdoors
Sun Exposure	Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight)
Soil Type	Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly alkaline
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	8-11 (USDA)
Native Area	Mediterranean region

Light Requirements

Olive trees love sunlight and need at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily. Indoors, place them near a south-facing window. Outdoors, pick a spot with plenty of sun.

Quick Tip: Not enough light? Your tree may get leggy and won’t fruit well. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

Watering Guidelines

Olive trees prefer to dry out a bit between waterings. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry, making sure not to leave water sitting in the saucer. Olive trees are more susceptible to root rot.

Signs of Underwatering: Dry, brittle leaves.
Signs of Overwatering: Yellow leaves, soft branches.

For potted trees, the amount of water needed can depend on the size of the pot and the its environment. Here are some guidelines:

For a 1-gallon pot: Use about 1 to 1.5 cups of water (8-12 oz) per watering. Ensure that the water drains out of the bottom, indicating thorough watering.
For a 5-gallon pot: Use around 2 to 3 quarts (64-96 oz) of water. The soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged.
For larger pots (10 gallons or more): Water should be approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons, making sure the water seeps through the drainage holes.

Based on this watering schedule, you should water every 7 - 14 days, depending on temperature and how quickly the soil dries.

Soil and Potting Mix

Olive trees flourish in well-draining soil. A mix that combines sandy or loamy soil with good drainage properties is ideal. For potted olive trees, a commercial cactus or succulent potting mix works well, as it ensures that water won’t remain around the roots for too long.

Recommended Soil Composition: 70% coarse sand, 20% loam, and 10% organic matter. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes.

Humidity and Temperature

Native to the Mediterranean region, olive trees are accustomed to warm, dry climates. They do best in temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Although they can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures, prolonged exposure to freezing weather can damage the tree.

Indoor Care: Keep humidity low to moderate and avoid placing the tree near heating vents or drafty windows. Use a dehumidifier if your indoor environment is too humid.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is an essential part of indoor olive tree care, as it helps maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Use sharp, sterilized pruners and make cuts at a 45-degree angle, about ¼” above a branch junction.

Best Practices for Pruning Your Olive Tree

Trim Suckers: Remove any suckers sprouting from the trunk to avoid energy loss.
Cut Downward Branches: Remove branches growing downwards for a neater appearance.
Open Up the Center: Clear out the center of the tree to allow light and air circulation.
Manage Height: Trim the tallest branches to control the tree’s size and shape.
Remove Damaged Branches: Always prune away any dead or diseased wood to promote health.

Olive trees benefit from light annual pruning rather than drastic cuts. Aim for an open structure that resembles a vase shape for optimal sun exposure.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves: This is often due to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your pot or planting site allows excess water to escape, and cut back on watering frequency if needed.
Pests: Olive trees can be susceptible to scale, aphids, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for treatment at the first sign of infestation.
Lack of Fruit (for fruiting trees): This can result from insufficient sunlight or improper watering. Verify your tree’s light conditions and water regimen.

Caring for an olive tree can be a rewarding experience, whether for its graceful appearance or the prospect of homegrown olives. Remember to provide ample sunlight, monitor your watering practices, and use well-draining soil to support healthy growth. With these steps, your olive tree will remain a beautiful, enduring part of your indoor or outdoor space.

goodroots collective