Atherton Oak Plant Care

Atherton Oak (Athertonia diversifolia) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Athertonia genus. Atherton Oak is native to a small part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. Atherton Oak is also known as Ivorywood.

Atherton Oak displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Atherton Oak produces showy clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Atherton Oak every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Atherton Oak thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Athertonia diversifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Atherton Oak prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Atherton Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Atherton Oak every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Atherton Oak is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Atherton Oak can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Atherton Oak while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Atherton Oak is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Atherton Oak can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Atherton Oak is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Atherton Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Atherton Oak is native to a small part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Atherton Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.