Bornean Olive Plant Care

Bornean Olive (Olea borneensis) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Olea genus. Bornean Olive is native to Borneo and the Philippines.

Bornean Olive displays a slow-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Bornean Olive produces tiny, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bornean Olive every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bornean Olive thrives in full sun.

Olea borneensis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Bornean Olive prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bornean Olive to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bornean Olive every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bornean Olive is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bornean Olive can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bornean Olive while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bornean Olive is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bornean Olive can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indoor olive tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bornean Olive is susceptible to scale insects, aphids, olive fruit fly. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bornean Olive grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bornean Olive is native to Borneo and the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Bornean Olive as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.