Repotting is an essential part of plant care. In this guide, we will teach you step-by-step how to correctly repot your Olea Europaea.

When to Repot?

Your Olea Europaea needs to be repotted if:

• Roots are growing out of the drainage hole
• The plant dries out faster than usual
• The plant stops growing despite good light
• Roots are visible on the soil surface
• The growing season has begun (spring)

Generally, vigorous growers like Olea Europaea should be repotted every 2-3 years. Avoid repotting in winter when growth is slow.

What You'll Need

Gather these items before you begin:

• A new pot, 1-2 sizes larger than the current one (a few millimeters wider in diameter is better than much larger)
• Fresh potting mix suitable for Olea Europaea
• Mesh or screens for the drainage hole (optional)
• A trowel or spoon
• Water
• Old newspapers or a mat to work on

Potting Mix Type: Use a well-draining soil mix. For Olea Europaea, standard potting mixes work well, though you can add some perlite or orchid bark for better drainage.

Step-by-Step Repotting

Step 1: Preparation - Lightly water the plant so the soil is not completely dry, but not soaking wet either. This makes it much easier to remove the plant from the pot.

Step 2: Remove Plant from Pot - Tilt the pot sideways and carefully slide the plant out. If the plant is stuck, you can gently break the old pot or run a knife along the inner edges.

Step 3: Inspect Roots - Examine the roots. Healthy roots are white or light-colored. If you see black, slimy roots, there is root rot and you should remove all rotted parts.

Step 4: Remove Old Soil - Gently massage the roots to loosen some old soil. This promotes new root growth in the new soil. Don't remove everything - about 50% of the old soil can remain.

Step 5: Place Plant in New Pot - Add a layer of new soil to the bottom of the new pot. Position the plant so it sits at the same depth as before. Fill around with soil and gently press down.

Step 6: Water - Carefully water until it drains from the drainage hole. This helps settle the soil and position the roots well.

Step 7: Rest - Place the plant in its permanent spot and water minimally for 1-2 weeks while it adjusts to the new soil.

Correct Potting Mix

Olea Europaea is not very picky about potting mix, but prefers well-draining mixes:

• 40% standard houseplant soil
• 30% perlite or vermiculite
• 20% orchid bark or charcoal
• 10% sand

Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made "aroid mix" or "well-draining houseplant mix". The most important thing is that water drains well, but the plant doesn't dry out too quickly.

Care After Repotting

The first few weeks after repotting are crucial:

• Water moderately - do not fertilize until you see new growth
• Do not place in direct sunlight for several days
• Avoid relocation and temperature fluctuations
• Fertilize only after 4-6 weeks when the plant has adapted

After a few weeks, you will see your Olea Europaea producing new growth in its new pot. This indicates that the repotting was successful!