Wild olive (Bontia daphnoides)

Also known as: Saltwort, Bontia

Bontia daphnoides is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 6 meters in height with a trunk diameter of about 15 cm. The leaves are alternately arranged, measuring 5 to 10 cm in length and 1.5 to 2 cm in width, and have an elliptic shape with a prominent mid-vein on the underside. The flowers are solitary and grow in the leaf axils on stalks of 1.5 to 2 cm in length. They are present most of the year. The fruits are nearly spherical with a small beak, starting off pale yellow and turning brown as they mature.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Wild olive

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

Up to 2 meters

Spread

About 1 to 1.5 meters

Leaf Color

Dark green

Flower Size

Approximately 2 to 3 centimeters

Flower Color

White to pale pink with a touch of purple

Images of Wild olive

Quickly Identify Wild olive

To identify Bontia daphnoides, look for a small, evergreen shrub with glossy, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves are usually dark green and leathery. The flowers are tubular and white to pale pink with a touch of purple. The plant often grows in sandy and rocky soils near the coast.

Scientific Classification of Wild olive

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Figwort

Genus

Bontia

Species

Wild olive

Planting and Growing of Wild olive

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Wild olive?

Bontia daphnoides prefers a moderate amount of water. This means watering the plant until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to ensure the roots are not sitting in water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Wild olive? ›

What should I do if my Wild olive is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Wild olive? ›

How to save an overwatered Wild olive? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Wild olive?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Bontia daphnoides thrives best in full to partial sun, ensuring robust growth and prolific flowering. Proper light facilitates essential processes like photosynthesis, vital for its physiological health.

What is the ideal lighting environment for Bontia daphnoides? ›

How can I achieve ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What benefits will this plant experience with ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild olive?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 85℉

Bontia daphnoides thrives best in warm conditions, where temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F. This range optimizes the plant's growth and supports healthy foliage. Maintaining a consistent temperature within this ideal range prevents stress and promotes vigorous growth.

What Soil is Best for Wild olive?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Bontia daphnoides thrives in well-draining soils that prevent water stagnation. Such conditions help avoid root rot and ensure that the roots get the right balance of moisture and air. While drainage is important, the soil should also retain enough moisture to prevent the plant from drying out. It provides a consistent water supply to sustain healthy growth. A nutrient-rich soil supports lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Adding organic matter can improve nutrient availability, benefiting overall plant health.

How to Fertilize Wild olive?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Bontia daphnoides, the fertilization amount should be carefully managed. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength, about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon, to avoid over-fertilization that could harm the plant's roots.

How to Prune Wild olive?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This ensures that the plant's energy is not wasted on non-viable parts and reduces the risk of infection spreading. Trim back any branches that are growing out of the desired shape of the plant. Focus on maintaining a balanced shape and removing any crossing branches that might rub against each other. Thinning the crown by selectively removing branches can improve airflow through the plant, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases by allowing moisture to evaporate more quickly. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Wild olive plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Summer

Harvest seeds when the plant's fruit or seed pods mature. Ensure seeds are collected before dispersal occurs to maximize yield.

Choose a healthy stem and cut just below a node. Ensure the stem is about 4-6 inches long and has at least two leaves. Remove the bottom leaves for better root growth.

Place seeds in trays filled with a well-draining substrate. For cuttings, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a mixture of soil and sand.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Wild olive plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should consider repotting your Bontia daphnoides when you observe roots appearing through the drainage holes, or if the growth becomes stunted. Spring and autumn are ideal as the plant experiences minimal stress. This timing ensures optimal root establishment and recovery.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Ensure it has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The larger size provides enough space for root expansion, while drainage holes assist in avoiding root rot, maintaining a healthy plant system.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil mix. This type of soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, which is critical for preventing root decay. It allows adequate aeration for the roots, promoting healthy growth and nutrient absorption.