Quercus verticillata Plant Care

Quercus verticillata (Trigonobalanus verticillata) belongs to the Fagaceae family within the Trigonobalanus genus. Quercus verticillata is native to Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Malay Peninsula, and Hainan. Quercus verticillata is also known as Cyclobalanopsis verticillata.

Quercus verticillata displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Quercus verticillata produces inconspicuous catkins.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Quercus verticillata 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.

Quercus verticillata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Trigonobalanus verticillata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Quercus verticillata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Quercus verticillata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Quercus verticillata 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 rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Quercus verticillata is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Quercus verticillata can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Quercus verticillata 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.

Quercus verticillata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Quercus verticillata can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trigonobalanus doichangensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Quercus verticillata 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.

Quercus verticillata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Quercus verticillata is native to Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Malay Peninsula, and Hainan. In cooler regions, grow Quercus verticillata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.