Guatemalan oak Plant Care

Guatemalan oak (Quercus acatenangensis) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Quercus genus. Guatemalan oak is native to mountains of Oaxaca and Chiapas states in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Guatemalan oak is also known as Acatenango oak.

Guatemalan oak displays a large deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 60 ft. Guatemalan oak produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Guatemalan 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.

Guatemalan oak thrives in full sun.

Quercus acatenangensis tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Guatemalan oak prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

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

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Guatemalan oak is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

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.

Guatemalan oak can spread to about 60 ft (18.3 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 60 ft (18.3 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 Guatemalan 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.

Guatemalan oak is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Guatemalan oak can be propagated through acorns, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to english oak plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Guatemalan oak is susceptible to oak leaf blister, oak wilt, gypsy moth. 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.

Guatemalan oak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Guatemalan oak is native to mountains of Oaxaca and Chiapas states in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. In cooler regions, grow Guatemalan oak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.