Artificial Olive Tree: The Complete Guide for Your Interior

You've probably spotted it before: that beautiful olive tree in a stylish interior on Instagram or Pinterest. The silver-green leaves, the characterful trunk, that unmistakable Mediterranean flair. But then reality hits: keeping a real olive tree indoors is quite a challenge. It needs lots of light, a cool winter rest period, and can easily drop its leaves if conditions aren't perfect.

Fortunately, there's an alternative that's becoming increasingly popular: the artificial olive tree. In this complete guide, you'll discover everything you need to know before purchasing one. From quality differences and material choices to the best spots in your home and honest advice about when artificial is and isn't the right choice.

Why the artificial olive tree is so beloved

The olive tree isn't just a trend. This Mediterranean beauty has a timeless appeal that has been valued for centuries. In the Netherlands, we're seeing artificial olive trees more and more in interiors, and there are good reasons for this.

Fits with virtually any interior style

Whether you prefer a country living style, modern minimalist, Scandinavian, or bohemian: the olive tree always adds something special. The silver-green leaves are subtle enough not to overpower, but distinctive enough to make a statement.

Year-round greenery without worries

A real olive tree can lose leaves in winter, especially when kept indoors without a cool rest period. An artificial olive tree stays beautiful all year round, without you having to worry about yellow leaves or bare branches.

Suitable for any living situation

Do you live in an apartment without much daylight? Do you have pets that like to nibble on plants? Or do you simply forget to water regularly? Then an artificial olive tree is the ideal solution.

Artificial olive tree vs real olive tree: honest comparison

Let's be honest: both artificial and real olive trees have pros and cons. Here's an objective comparison:

Aspect	Artificial Olive Tree	Real Olive Tree
Maintenance	Only dusting (monthly)	Watering, pruning, repotting, winter preparation
Light needed	No, can be placed anywhere	Yes, minimum 6 hours direct sunlight
Indoor keeping	Yes, problem-free	Difficult, needs cool winter (5-10°C)
First year costs	€100-350 one-time	€50-150 + pot, soil, fertilizer
5-year costs	Same (purchase only)	€250-500+ (incl. possible replacement)
Air purification	No	Minimal (olives aren't top performers)
Allergies	None	Possible pollen during flowering
Pets	Safe, no toxic substances	Leaves not toxic, but sometimes attractive to eat

When is a real olive tree better?

Are you an experienced plant lover who enjoys the care ritual? Do you have a sunny conservatory or greenhouse? Or do you find it beautiful that a plant grows and changes? Then a real olive tree might be the better choice. The charm of growth and change cannot be replicated.

What to look for when buying an artificial olive tree?

Not all artificial olive trees are equal. The difference between a cheap variant that looks "plasticky" and a premium specimen that fools your guests lies in the details.

Material and quality

The leaves are crucial. Pay attention to the material:

• PE (polyethylene): Feels softer and looks more realistic. This is the best material for leaves.
• PVC: Harder and often shinier. Less natural, but more durable.
• Textile: Some top models use fabric leaves that feel surprisingly real.

The trunk makes the difference. The best artificial olive trees have:

• A real wooden trunk or a plastic trunk with realistic bark structure
• Natural irregularities and color variations
• Twisting shapes like real olive trees have

What size fits your space?

A common mistake is choosing a tree that's too big or too small. Here's a handy rule of thumb:

• 120-150 cm: Perfect for on a dresser, side table, or in a smaller space
• 150-180 cm: The most popular size, ideal next to the sofa or in a corner
• 180-200 cm+: Statement pieces, only suitable with ceilings higher than 2.70 meters

Rule of thumb: The plant may be at most one-third of your ceiling height. With a standard ceiling of 2.60 meters, choose a maximum of 150-170 cm.

Price indication: what do you get for your money?

• Budget (€50-100): Visibly artificial, suitable for offices or children's rooms where realism is less important.
• Mid-range (€100-200): Good balance between price and quality. The choice of most buyers.
• Premium (€200-400): Barely distinguishable from real. PE leaves, realistic trunk, beautiful details.

Note: The pot is usually not included. Reserve separate budget for this.

The best spots for your artificial olive tree

Where your artificial olive tree excels

• Next to the sofa: A classic. The olive tree fills the space beautifully and creates a cozy corner.
• In an empty corner: Have a corner that's missing "something"? An olive tree is the solution.
• By the dining table: Create that Mediterranean dining experience without having to go to Italy.
• In the hallway: Make an immediate statement when visitors enter.
• In the office: Professional appearance without maintenance concerns.

Where not to place it

• Directly in front of a window with bright sunlight: UV radiation can cause colors to fade over time.
• Too close to heating: Heat can damage the material.
• In a spot where people bump into it: Artificial plants aren't designed to be constantly touched.

Combination tips

An artificial olive tree combines beautifully with:

• Smaller artificial plants at different heights for a layered effect
• Real plants (yes, feel free to mix!) for variety
• Natural materials like rattan, wood, and linen
• Terracotta or concrete pots for that Mediterranean atmosphere

Maintenance and care

The beauty of an artificial olive tree? Minimal maintenance. But "maintenance-free" doesn't mean "forget-it-forever."

Removing dust

Dust is the biggest enemy of artificial plants. It makes them dull and less realistic.

Weekly: Quick pass with a feather duster or dust cloth over the leaves. Monthly: Wipe leaves with a slightly damp cloth. Tip: dust dry first, then damp. This prevents dust clumps. Alternative methods:

• A hair dryer on cold setting can blow dust away
• Baby wipes work surprisingly well for a quick refresh
• For stubborn dust: a mixture of water with a drop of dish soap

Avoid: Aggressive cleaning products, scrubbing sponges, or water that's too hot.

Lifespan: what can you expect?

With proper care, a quality artificial olive tree lasts 8-12 years. The main factors affecting lifespan:

• UV exposure: Causes discoloration
• Dust buildup: Can damage material if not removed
• Physical damage: Bumps, children, pets

Frequently asked questions

Doesn't an artificial olive tree look fake?

That depends entirely on the quality. Budget models are often immediately recognizable as artificial. But premium artificial olive trees with PE leaves and a realistic trunk? They're indistinguishable from real ones at a distance. Only when touched do you notice the difference. So invest in quality if realism is important to you.

How long does an artificial olive tree last?

With normal use and regular dusting: 8-12 years. The main factors are UV exposure (causes discoloration) and dust buildup. Don't place it in direct sunlight and clean it regularly, and you'll enjoy it for years.

Can I put an artificial olive tree outside?

Only if it's specifically sold as "outdoor" or "UV-resistant." Standard artificial olive trees fade quickly in direct sunlight. For your patio or balcony, you need a special outdoor variant that's treated against UV radiation and weather influences.

What size artificial olive tree fits my living room?

Use this rule of thumb: the plant may be at most one-third of your ceiling height. With a standard ceiling of 2.60 meters, choose a plant of maximum 150-170 cm. If you have higher ceilings (3 meters+), you can go for a more imposing 180-200 cm variant.

Is it sustainable to buy an artificial plant?

Honest answer: the production of artificial plants has an ecological footprint. They're made from plastics that aren't biodegradable. However, due to their long lifespan (8-12 years) and avoiding water, plant food, pesticides, and regular replacement of dead plants, the balance can ultimately be positive. Buy quality so you don't need a new one after just two years.

What does a good artificial olive tree cost?

• Basic models: €50-100 (visibly artificial)
• Good quality: €100-200 (fine for most interiors)
• Premium/lifelike: €200-400 (barely distinguishable from real)

Remember: the pot is usually not included, so add another €30-80 to that.

Conclusion

The artificial olive tree is perfect for anyone who wants the Mediterranean look without the maintenance that comes with a real olive tree. Whether you have little daylight, pets that nibble on plants, or simply don't have green fingers: an artificial olive tree gives you that desired atmosphere without worries.

Our tips:

• Invest in quality – the difference is visible
• Choose the right size for your space (max. 1/3 of your ceiling height)
• Don't forget maintenance – regular dusting keeps it beautiful
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration

An artificial olive tree isn't the best choice for everyone. Do you enjoy the care ritual of real plants? Do you have a sunny conservatory? Then a real olive tree might be more fun after all. But for everyone else, the artificial olive tree offers a beautiful, maintenance-free alternative.

Check out our artificial tree collection for lifelike options that match your interior.