Quercus emoryi aka Emory Oak

Taxonomy

Quercus emoryi, also known as the Emory oak, is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a straight trunk, rounded crown, and rough black bark. It is common in dry hills at moderate altitudes in Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico. The glossy, leathery leaves are arranged in whorls, resembling holly leaves, and drop gradually in the spring with new foliage appearing soon thereafter. The tree produces red acorns with a yellow cap. Emory oak is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and doesn't require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Emory Oak, Emory's Oak

How to care for Emory Oak

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Emory Oak, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Emory Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Emory Oak loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Emory Oak prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Emory Oak plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Emory Oak is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Emory Oak’s native range is South-western N. America - W. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico.


More info:
Wikipedia