Outdoor faux olive tree Australia — the complete balcony guide
The faux olive tree has become one of the most searched indoor plants in Australia. But a question we get constantly is: can you use a faux olive tree outside?
The short answer is yes — but only if you choose the right variety. Standard indoor faux olive trees will fade in direct Australian sun within 12–18 months. UV-resistant faux olive trees are specifically engineered for Australian outdoor conditions and will stay vibrant for years. The difference isn't visible to the eye when new — it's in the material formulation — which is why it matters to get this right before you buy.
Why UV matters — the Australian outdoor reality
Standard faux plant foliage is made from polyethylene or polyester without UV stabilisers. Indoors, this is completely fine — indoor light levels don't contain enough UV to cause visible fading. But direct outdoor sun exposure breaks down the colour compounds in untreated materials relatively quickly. In a Sydney or Brisbane summer, you can see the difference within a season.
UV-resistant faux plants use a different formulation — UV stabilisers are added to the polyethylene during manufacture. This means they'll maintain colour and texture for 5–8 years in Australian outdoor conditions with normal care. That's the same or longer than most real outdoor plants last without replacement.
Our outdoor-rated faux olive trees — what we recommend
Faux UV Resistant Olive Tree 150cm
Our dedicated outdoor olive tree. Compact enough for most apartment balconies and courtyard spaces, UV stabilised for Australian conditions. At 150cm, it suits covered balconies, verandahs and semi-exposed courtyard positions beautifully.
Shop now — A$164 →Faux UV Protected Giant Olive Tree 210cm
For ground-floor courtyards, alfresco areas and commercial outdoor environments. At 210cm with a real wood trunk, it creates a genuine statement presence in larger spaces where a 150cm would look undersized.
Shop now — A$199 →Where can you use an outdoor faux olive tree — position by position
| Position | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Covered balcony | Excellent | Shade from overhead UV with ambient light exposure. The ideal outdoor position — extends plant lifespan significantly. |
| Uncovered balcony | Very good | Fine with UV-rated varieties. Wind management is the key consideration — see section below. |
| Courtyard / ground level | Excellent | More wind protection and stable temperatures than high-floor balconies. Larger 210cm trees work beautifully here. |
| Pergola / alfresco / verandah | Ideal | Shaded from direct UV, outdoor air circulation. Even standard indoor faux olive trees perform reasonably here — UV-rated still recommended. |
| Full direct sun (8+ hours daily) | Manageable | UV-rated varieties will handle it, but expect 4–5 year lifespan rather than 7–8. Use UV protectant spray twice yearly and clean monthly. |
Wind-proofing your outdoor faux olive tree — the practical guide
Wind is the practical challenge most people don't consider until a plant has blown over. High-floor apartment balconies can experience wind speeds significantly higher than street level — a factor amplified in Sydney's CBD, coastal suburbs and any exposed high-rise position.
The solution is entirely in the pot. A lightweight plastic or fibreglass pot will not hold a 150–180cm tree in strong wind. For outdoor use, you need a heavy pot plus ballast.
Pot material for outdoor use
Fibrestone, ceramic or concrete only for outdoor positions. Lightweight plastic pots will tip. Minimum 35–40cm diameter for a 150cm tree, 40–50cm for a 180cm+ tree.
Fill with pebbles
20–30cm depth of decorative pebbles around the nursery pot. This adds significant weight at the base — exactly where you need it for stability. Available at Bunnings or garden centres.
Styling an outdoor faux olive tree — what works
Pot selection outdoors. Terracotta and earthy tones work beautifully with the olive tree's Mediterranean character in an outdoor setting. Matte white or warm grey fibrestone suits contemporary apartment balconies. Avoid highly polished or glazed pots outdoors — they show water marks and dirt more readily than matte finishes.
Pairing with other elements. A faux olive tree on a balcony looks most natural when surrounded by other considered elements — an outdoor rug beneath the pot, a simple side table nearby, or a string of warm outdoor lights woven loosely through the lower branches for evening atmosphere. The plant anchors the space; the other elements give it context.
Shape the branches seasonally. Unlike a real olive tree, a faux olive tree looks identical in every season — a genuine advantage in Australia where seasonal appearance matters for entertaining spaces. But do spend a few minutes each season gently adjusting branch positions to keep the canopy looking natural and full rather than settled into one fixed shape.
Maintenance for outdoor faux olive trees — monthly, not daily
Outdoor plants need monthly cleaning — far more frequent than the quarterly clean sufficient for indoor plants. They're exposed to pollen, dust, bird droppings and environmental grime that accumulates much faster than indoors. The cleaning process is simple and takes about ten minutes.
Brush off any loose debris first. Then wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution, or use a garden hose on a gentle setting held 50cm away from the plant. Allow to air dry completely. Every six months, apply a UV protectant spray — outdoor furniture products work well — to extend the UV coating's effectiveness and maintain colour vibrancy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a faux olive tree go outside in Australia?
Yes — but only UV-resistant varieties. Standard indoor faux olive trees will fade in direct Australian sun within 12–18 months. Our Faux UV Resistant Olive Tree 150cm and UV Protected Giant Olive Tree 210cm are specifically rated for Australian outdoor conditions.
How long will an outdoor faux olive tree last in Australia?
With regular monthly cleaning and a UV protectant spray applied twice yearly, UV-rated faux olive trees should maintain excellent appearance for 5–8 years in most Australian outdoor positions. Full-day direct sun positions will age them faster — expect 4–5 years in the most challenging positions before any noticeable fading occurs.
Will wind blow over a faux olive tree on a balcony?
Only if the pot is too light. Use a heavy pot (fibrestone, ceramic or concrete, minimum 35–40cm diameter) and fill with decorative pebbles around the plant's base as ballast. A 40cm fibrestone pot filled with pebbles weighs 15–20kg and will resist all but extreme wind conditions.
Do I need to bring outdoor faux plants inside in winter?
No — UV-rated faux plants are designed to handle all Australian weather conditions year-round, including winter rain, temperature variation and frost in most Australian climates. There's no need to bring them inside seasonally. This is one of their most practical advantages over real outdoor plants.
Can I use an indoor faux olive tree in a covered outdoor area?
In a fully covered position (pergola, verandah, enclosed alfresco) where the plant receives only indirect light rather than direct sun, a standard indoor faux olive tree will generally perform reasonably well. However, for any position that receives direct sun for more than 2 hours per day, a UV-rated variety is strongly recommended to avoid premature fading.
Shop our outdoor-rated faux olive trees — built for Australian conditions
UV stabilised for Australian sun. Won't fade, won't deteriorate. Dispatched within 4 business days from our Sydney warehouse.
Shop Outdoor Olive Trees