Quercus suber aka Cork Oak

Taxonomy

Quercus suber, commonly known as the cork oak, is a medium-sized, evergreen oak tree in the Quercus sect. Cerris section. It is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa and is an ancient species with fossil remnants dating back to the Tertiary period. The cork oak is the primary source of cork for wine bottle stoppers and other uses, such as cork flooring and cricket ball cores. It endures drought and is regarded as a defense against desertification. Cork oak woodlands are home to a multitude of animal and plant species. However, these forests are at risk as cork is increasingly being displaced by other materials as a bottle cap. This puts animal species such as the Iberian lynx and imperial eagles at risk of extinction. Trees are commercially grown in several European and African countries, most notably in Portugal and Spain. Cork is usually not harvested until a tree reaches the age of at least 30-40 years. Trees can mature to 40-70 feet tall and have leathery, wavy-toothed, ovate, shiny dark green leaves. The thick, rough, deeply fissured, corky bark with reddish-brown furrows is a unique beauty, particularly on older trees. Cork oak is also a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Repotting when it doubles in size should supply enough nutrients, and it should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Cork Oak, Sr, Cork Bark Oak

How to care for Cork Oak

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Cork Oak due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Cork 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

Cork Oak thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cork Bark Oak.

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 Cork 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.

Growth-pattern

Cork Oak grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Cork Oak’s native range is S. Europe to N. Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia