Hello everyone. I have had this Olive tree (Olea europaea) in a pot for about 12 years. Possibly because we are located (Peniche, Portugal) on a peninsula in the middle of the Atlantic, and although it has been protected from the frequent north wind, it has never grown much. I have always done seasonal pruning and treated it for pests like the turtle scale insect, etc.
I believe it could become a good bonsai. Besides that, I am unsure whether I should transplant it this year or wait until the spring of 2027.
Could you please give me some suggestions or advice?
Thank you 🙏
by YogaSakshi
2 Comments
Olive trees like to be re-potted during active growth so you could even wait a bit more and then go ahead, some time in May should be fine.
Before you do, is the trunk the thickness you envision for your bonsai design? Moving to a smaller pot will reduce growth so bear that in mind. It seems like yours is currently a clay pot with organic soil that probably is gone nutrients-wise. That may be a reason for the slow growth. Also olive trees grow slowly by nature.
If you’re ok with the size, i would suggest moving to a training pot before going for a bonsai pot. Something like this: [https://www.kenshobonsaistudio.com/pt/treino/10111-vaso-plastico-retangular-31cm.html](https://www.kenshobonsaistudio.com/pt/treino/10111-vaso-plastico-retangular-31cm.html) . You can reduce roots and leave it there for a few more seasons before the final pot.
Good luck!
I don’t know why but I love those trees.
Not for my climate unfortunately. 🥲