Olive Tree with Strange Leaf Growth

carrara.gOmkaxkpS

Good afternoon all,

I was gifted 2 olive trees approximately 4 months ago and over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed the leaves that have been growing are very different to the ones on the plant prior (and expected for an olive tree). The old leaves are drying and dying, whereas the new ones that are growing towards the top of the tree are flourishing.

Images added.

I've followed recommendations for lighting/watering, but this is very strange.

Is this to be expected from an olive tree? Will these leaves become like the other ones? Is there something I should be doing?

Many thanks for your feedback!

Dovefromabove

The difference of the new growth on your olive trees is due to your trees being placed in insufficient light. They need much higher light levels ... like on a sunny Greek hillside. 

carrara.gOmkaxkpS

Thanks @Dovefromabove! Moving to a Greek hillside sounds great, but a little complicated unfortunately...!

Would you recommend putting them outdoors or is the London climate too cold? 

Elfer

Olive trees are really an outdoor plant, you can keep them indoors for short period but best to move them to a sunny sheltered position outdoors.

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-olives/

Pete.8

Mine lives in a big pot on the patio all year round and has been happy there for about 12 yrs
The frequent freezing temps recently have not affected it in any way

Lizzie27

And mine's been in a big pot outside as well, in a corner by two walls. It's probably 6 years old now. 

Your pot looks very small to support the top growth so it may also need re-potting into a much larger pot.

carrara.gOmkaxkpS

thanks for the input @Lizzie27, what would you recommend as a more appropriate pot size?

carrara.gOmkaxkpS

Pete.8 said:

Mine lives in a big pot on the patio all year round and has been happy there for about 12 yrs
The frequent freezing temps recently have not affected it in any way

Thanks for the feedback, I assume in a lot of sun @Pete.8?

Pete.8

Yes, the patio faces south so it gets plenty of sun.
I give it seaweed extract about once a month during the growing season and try to remember to water it on hot days