Olive trees are known for their resilience and strength, with the ability to withstand even fires. However, like all plants, they can be affected by pests and diseases. Often the leaves of an Olive trees appear ‘nibbled’.  This is caused by a leaf beetle and is nothing to be concerned about.  It is not detrimental to the tree’s health and hardly noticeable.

Mealy bugs, on the other hand, can be a real problem, especially for indoor olive trees. These pests suck sap from the tree, and their presence can be detected by white, fluffy powder under the leaves and at the leaf axis. Early detection is key, and these bugs can be removed by blasting them off with water or wiping them off with alcohol or a soap solution.

Despite these challenges, olive trees are generally quite resilient and can bounce back from most issues. Even if the tree loses all its leaves, with proper care, it will likely recover and thrive once again.