Toxicodendron diversilobum aka Pacific Poison Oak
Taxonomy
Common names
Pacific Poison Oak, Western Poison Oak, Poison OakHow to care for Pacific Poison Oak
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Pacific Poison Oak, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Pacific Poison Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Pacific Poison 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 Pacific Poison 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 Pacific Poison Oak plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Pacific Poison Oak should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
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