Fiddle Leaf Fig Or Olive Tree: Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Walking into a plant nursery, you’re faced with a classic design dilemma. In one corner stands the Fiddle Leaf Fig, with its huge, glossy, violin-shaped leaves promising a lush, jungle-like vibe. In the other, the Olive Tree, its delicate, silvery-green foliage whispering of sun-drenched Mediterranean hillsides. Both are stunning statement pieces, but which one is truly right for your home?

I know this feeling well. You want to make the right choice, investing your time and money in a plant that won’t just survive, but thrive. Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. As a fellow plant lover who has nurtured both of these beauties (and learned from a few mistakes along the way!), I promise to give you the real-world advice you need.

In this complete fiddle leaf fig or olive tree guide, we’ll dive deep into their distinct personalities. We’ll compare their care needs side-by-side, explore which one best fits your home’s aesthetic, tackle common problems before they start, and even discuss some eco-friendly best practices. By the end, you’ll feel confident and excited to welcome your perfect new tree home.

Meet the Contenders: A Tale of Two Trees

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s properly introduce our two contenders. Understanding where they come from is the first step to knowing how to make them happy in your space.

The Dramatic Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, or FLF as it’s affectionately known, is a true showstopper. Hailing from the lowland rainforests of West Africa, this plant is all about making a bold, architectural statement. Its massive, leathery leaves are its claim to fame, instantly adding a touch of drama and lushness to any room.

In its natural habitat, it grows into a massive tree under the canopy, which tells us a lot about its needs: it loves warmth, humidity, and bright, filtered light—just like the dappled sun of the rainforest floor.

The Serene Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

The Olive Tree brings a completely different energy. Native to the Mediterranean basin, this plant is the epitome of rustic elegance and tranquility. Its slender branches and airy, silver-green leaves create a sense of light and space, evoking images of sunny, windswept groves.

This tree is a sun-worshipper, accustomed to hot, dry summers and bright, direct sunlight. It’s a symbol of peace and longevity, bringing a timeless, sophisticated feel to your home. Keeping one indoors is a bit of a challenge, but absolutely worth the effort for its unique beauty.

Fiddle Leaf Fig or Olive Tree: A Head-to-Head Care Comparison

Here’s where the decision really gets made. Your home environment and the amount of attention you can provide will be the biggest factors in choosing between a fiddle leaf fig or olive tree. This complete care guide will break it all down.

The Great Light Debate: The #1 Deciding Factor

If you remember only one thing from this article, let it be this: light is everything.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig craves bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot a few feet away from an east-facing window or near a south- or west-facing window that’s covered by a sheer curtain. Direct, scorching sun will burn its leaves, while too little light will cause it to drop leaves and grow leggy. It’s a classic Goldilocks situation.

An Olive Tree, on the other hand, needs as much direct sun as you can possibly give it. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct, unimpeded sunlight every day. A south-facing window is non-negotiable for this plant to thrive indoors. If you don’t have a spot that gets blasted with sun, the Olive Tree is, unfortunately, not the plant for you.

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Watering Wisdom: Finding the Right Balance

Watering is where many new plant parents stumble. Here are some simple fiddle leaf fig or olive tree tips to keep you on track.

For your Fiddle Leaf Fig, consistency is key. Water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Then, let it drain fully. They are extremely susceptible to root rot, so never let it sit in a saucer of water. They’d rather be a little too dry than a little too wet.

Your Olive Tree is more drought-tolerant, true to its Mediterranean roots. Allow the soil to dry out even more than the FLF—about 50% of the way down the pot. When you do water, give it a deep soak until water runs out the bottom. In winter, you’ll need to reduce watering significantly.

Humidity & Temperature Needs

Your home’s climate plays a big role. The FLF, being a rainforest native, loves high humidity (around 50-60%). If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider placing it near a humidifier or grouping it with other plants.

The Olive Tree prefers drier, less humid air, making it a better fit for many centrally heated homes. Both plants, however, despise cold drafts from windows, doors, or AC vents. Keep them in a stable environment where temperatures stay between 65-80°F (18-27°C).

Aesthetics & Styling: Which Tree Fits Your Vibe?

Beyond care, think about the look you’re trying to achieve. Each tree offers a distinct design personality.

For the Bold, Lush & Modern Home

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is the undisputed star of modern, bohemian, and contemporary interiors. Its large, sculptural leaves fill vertical space and create an immediate focal point. It pairs beautifully with minimalist decor, mid-century modern furniture, and spaces that need a powerful splash of green.

  • Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices with high ceilings and ample space.
  • Vibe: Lush, dramatic, and jungle-inspired.

For the Airy, Rustic & Sun-Drenched Space

The Olive Tree is perfect for creating a light, airy, and organic feel. It complements rustic, farmhouse, coastal, and Mediterranean-inspired decor. Its delicate form and silvery foliage add texture and sophistication without overwhelming a room.

  • Best For: Sunrooms, bright entryways, or any room flooded with natural light.
  • Vibe: Serene, elegant, and natural.

Common Problems with Fiddle Leaf Fig or Olive Tree (And How to Fix Them!)

Don’t be discouraged if you run into trouble! Knowing the common problems with fiddle leaf fig or olive tree care is half the battle. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Woes: Brown Spots & Dropping Leaves

The dreaded brown spots on an FLF can mean a few things. Crispy, brown edges often point to underwatering or low humidity. Dark brown or black spots, especially near the base of the leaf, usually signal overwatering and potential root rot.

Sudden leaf drop is the FLF’s favorite way to show it’s unhappy. The cause is almost always a sudden change—a change in location, a cold draft, or a major shift in its watering schedule. Find a good spot and keep its routine as consistent as possible.

Olive Tree Troubles: Leaf Drop & Pests

If your indoor Olive Tree is dropping leaves, the number one culprit is insufficient light. It is simply shedding leaves it can no longer support. There is no substitute for direct sun with this plant.

Indoors, Olive Trees can also be susceptible to pests like scale and spider mites. Inspect your tree regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you see pests, treat them immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation can also help prevent them.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fiddle Leaf Fig or Olive Tree Practices

Being a “Greeny Gardener” is about more than just keeping plants alive; it’s about doing so responsibly. Embracing a few sustainable fiddle leaf fig or olive tree practices can make a big difference.

Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly best practices:

  1. Choose Peat-Free Soil: Peat moss harvesting is environmentally destructive. Look for high-quality potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives like coco coir or compost.
  2. Water Wisely: Always check the soil before watering to avoid waste. You can even capture and use rainwater if you have the means!
  3. Organic Pest Control: Instead of reaching for harsh chemical pesticides, try gentler solutions first. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and introducing beneficial insects (for larger collections) are great options.
  4. DIY Fertilizers: Reduce waste by making your own fertilizer. Diluted compost tea or worm casting tea are fantastic, nutrient-rich options for both plants during their growing season.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Tree

Which is better for a beginner, a fiddle leaf fig or an olive tree?

This is a tough one! I’d say the Fiddle Leaf Fig is slightly more forgiving for a beginner, but only if you have the right light (bright, indirect). Its watering cues are a bit easier to read. The Olive Tree’s non-negotiable need for intense, direct sun makes it trickier for many indoor environments, even for experienced gardeners.

Can an indoor olive tree actually produce olives?

It’s highly unlikely. For an olive tree to fruit, it needs specific conditions that are very difficult to replicate indoors, including a period of cold dormancy and tons of pollination help. It’s best to grow them for their beautiful foliage alone.

How fast do these trees grow?

With ideal conditions, a Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a vigorous grower, putting out a new leaf every few weeks during the spring and summer and potentially growing a foot or two per year. Olive Trees are much slower growers, especially indoors, which can be a plus if you don’t want a massive tree right away.

Are fiddle leaf figs and olive trees toxic to pets?

Yes, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing irritation to the mouth and stomach. The Olive Tree is non-toxic, making it a much safer choice for households with curious pets. This is a very important factor to consider!

So, Which Tree Will You Choose?

We’ve covered a lot of ground, from light and water to aesthetics and troubleshooting. By now, the choice between a fiddle leaf fig or olive tree should feel much clearer.

If your home offers a bright, protected spot away from direct sun and you love a lush, dramatic look, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is calling your name. Just be prepared to give it the stable, consistent routine it craves.

If you have a window that gets flooded with at least 6 hours of direct, blazing sun and you adore a serene, rustic, and sophisticated vibe, the Olive Tree is your perfect match. It’s a testament to your ability to provide that coveted sunshine indoors.

Ultimately, the best tree is the one that fits your home and your lifestyle. Don’t choose a plant just because it’s trendy; choose it because you can give it the home it needs to flourish. Whichever you pick, you’re bringing a piece of living art into your life.

Go forth and grow, my friend. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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