Choose a pot that's 2–4 cm wider than the tree's root ball and has a drainage hole, so the roots don't sit in water. Olive and fig trees love light and don't want to be too wet. If you'd like to keep your pretty pot cover indoors, plant the tree in a simple plastic pot with drainage and place it inside the cover – that way you can easily lift it out when watering.
An olive or fig tree in a beautiful pot is one of the easiest ways to give your home a Mediterranean feel. But the tree's wellbeing depends largely on the pot: size, drainage and material matter more than most people think. Here's how to choose the right pot – and style it so the tree really comes into its own.
The right size pot
Choose a pot that's 2–4 cm wider than the root ball all the way round. Too large a pot holds onto water for too long and can cause wet roots; too small a pot restricts growth. As the tree grows, move it up to the next size every couple of years – not several sizes at once.
Drainage and drain holes
Most important of all: the pot needs to be able to get rid of excess water. Both olive and fig trees cope far better with dry conditions than wet ones.
- Choose a pot with a drainage hole – or plant in an inner pot with a hole.
- Add a layer of clay pebbles or polystyrene balls at the bottom for extra drainage.
- Use a coarse, well-draining soil.
- Always pour away water from the saucer after watering.
Tip: Fallen in love with a pot without a hole? Plant the tree in a plastic pot with drainage and place it inside the pot as a cover. That way you keep the lovely look and avoid wet roots.
Material: terracotta, ceramic or pot cover
Terracotta is the classic choice for Mediterranean trees: it breathes, absorbs moisture and helps the soil dry out between waterings. Glazed ceramic holds onto moisture better and looks lovely indoors, but requires you to water more carefully. A pot cover gives you the freedom to choose any look you like, since the actual drainage happens in the inner pot.
Light and placement
Both olive and fig trees want plenty of light – ideally a bright windowsill, terrace or balcony. Indoors, they thrive best in a bright spot without cold draughts. In summer, they love being outside; an olive tree can handle quite a lot, while the fig tree is a little more sensitive to cold.
Overview
| Choice | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2–4 cm wider than the root ball | Room to grow without wet roots |
| Drainage | Drainage hole or inner pot | Trees hate sitting in water |
| Terracotta | Best for outdoors & Mediterranean look | Breathes and dries out the soil |
| Glazed ceramic / pot cover | Lovely indoors | Water more carefully |
How to style the tree
A single tree in a calm, plain pot looks peaceful and elegant – let the shape of the tree be the star. Want more life? Gather several pots of different heights into a small green group. A layer of decorative stones or moss on top of the soil gives a finished, inviting look and hides the inner pot if you're using a cover.
Tip: Matching pots from the same series, but in different sizes, tie a group of plants together beautifully – just like when you mix vases in a group.
Frequently asked questions
Which pot suits an olive tree?
A pot 2–4 cm wider than the root ball, with a drainage hole. Terracotta is ideal, as it lets the soil dry out between waterings.
Does the pot need a hole in the bottom?
Yes – or plant the tree in an inner pot with drainage. Both olive and fig trees don't cope well with standing in water.
How big should the pot be for a fig tree?
A little bigger than the root ball, and then you move up to the next size every couple of years as the tree grows.
Can I use a plant pot cover without a hole?
Yes. Plant the tree in a plastic pot with drainage and place it inside the cover, so you can easily lift it out and pour off excess water.
Where should the tree stand?
A bright spot without cold draughts. Both trees love sun and enjoy being outside in summer.
Summary
The right pot for olive and fig trees is only slightly bigger than the root ball, has drainage and preferably a breathable material like terracotta. If you want a particular look indoors, use a plant pot cover with a draining inner pot. Give the tree plenty of light, water carefully, and style with calm pots in different heights for a finished look.
Read also
- The difference between a pot, a plant pot cover and a flowerpot
- Plant pot covers: guide to finding the right one for your plant
- How to decorate with plants
Find the perfect setting for your tree among our pots and plant pot covers.
