Idaea Oak Plant Care
Didelotia idae J.Léonard, Oldeman & de Wit
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Didelotia idae, commonly known as Idaea Oak, is a unique plant with striking dark green leaves that are shaped like elongated ovals. Native to the forests of North America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its elegant foliage and compact growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Idaea Oak?
Water Idaea Oak every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Idaea Oak Native To?
What Is the Idaea Oak?
Idaea Oak (Didelotia idae) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Didelotia genus. Idaea Oak is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Idaea Oak displays a vining, climbing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Idaea Oak produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Idaea Oak?
Didelotia idae requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Idaea Oak Need?
Idaea Oak thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Idaea Oak in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Idaea Oak Prefer?
Didelotia idae grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Idaea Oak prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Idaea Oak?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Idaea Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Idaea Oak?
Feed Idaea Oak every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Idaea Oak?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Idaea Oak?
Idaea Oak can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Idaea Oak Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Idaea Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Idaea Oak?
Idaea Oak is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Idaea Oak Need?
Idaea Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Idaea Oak is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In cooler regions, grow Idaea Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Idaea Oak is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Didelotia genus — compare its care with other Didelotia species on PlantoScan.
Didelotia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Idaea Oak thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Didelotia idae J.Léonard, Oldeman & de Wit, family Fabaceae (first published in Blumea 12: 227 (1964)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Idaea Oak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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