Toxicodendron diversilobum aka Pacific Poison Oak

Taxonomy

Toxicodendron diversilobum, also known as Pacific poison oak or western poison oak, is a woody vine or shrub in the Anacardiaceae family. It is widely distributed in western North America and can be found in various biomes such as conifer and mixed broadleaf forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral. Peak flowering occurs in May. Despite its name, it is not closely related to oaks. Like other members of the Toxicodendron genus, T. diversilobum causes itching and allergic rashes in most people after contact by touch or smoke inhalation. It is notorious for causing significant and long-lasting skin irritations (allergic dermatitis) in humans. Although it is a rare houseplant, western poison oak is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide enough nutrients, so added fertilizers are not necessary. Native to Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States, T. diversilobum is a plant to be approached with caution.

Common names

Pacific Poison Oak, Western Poison Oak, Poison Oak

How 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.


More info:
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