Lithocarpus ovalis Plant Care

Lithocarpus ovalis (Lithocarpus ovalis) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Lithocarpus genus. Lithocarpus ovalis is native to the Philippines.

Lithocarpus ovalis displays a large, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Lithocarpus ovalis produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lithocarpus ovalis 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.

Lithocarpus ovalis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lithocarpus ovalis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Lithocarpus ovalis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Lithocarpus ovalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lithocarpus ovalis every 8 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 loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lithocarpus ovalis 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.

Lithocarpus ovalis can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Lithocarpus ovalis 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.

Lithocarpus ovalis 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.

Lithocarpus ovalis can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lithocarpus amygdalifolius plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Lithocarpus ovalis is susceptible to oak root fungus, oak leaf blister, oak gall wasp. 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.

Lithocarpus ovalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lithocarpus ovalis is native to the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Lithocarpus ovalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.