African Oak Plant Care

African Oak (Polyscias fulva) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Polyscias genus. African Oak is native to the mountains of tropical Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. African Oak is also known as Fulva Polyscias.

African Oak displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African Oak produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Oak every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Oak thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Oak in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Polyscias fulva tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Oak prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Oak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Oak every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Oak is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

African Oak can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune African 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 shrub in one year.

African 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.

African Oak can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balfour aralia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Oak is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

African Oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African Oak is native to the mountains of tropical Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow African Oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.