Technical Sheet - Cork Oak

Common Name: Cork Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus Suber

Characteristics: Species originating from the Mediterranean region (Greece/Portugal/Spain/Italy), belonging to the Fagaceae family.

Given the hardiness and tradition of the species in Portugal, Cork Oaks are highly valued in Bonsai, being indispensable in any National collection.

Location: Very resilient, they prefer abundant sun, living outdoors all year round, where they receive 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day (ideally in the morning or late afternoon), protected from strong winds and frost.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water flows out of the drainage holes, to evenly moisten the soil, always from above and never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For watering tips, consult the watering technical sheet.

Attention must be paid to the Spring budding phase when there are many tender leaves and water consumption is higher.

If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent the roots from rotting).

There is no advantage in misting the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is specific for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to October/November, with a basic plan consisting of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold), and a biostimulant throughout the year (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with the rest of our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan,  consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Maintenance pruning from Spring to Autumn, formation pruning can be done in Winter or after partial defoliation in Summer.

For pruning tips, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Transplanting: With Bonsai Leafy Soil in May/June, always perform a formation pruning and/or partial defoliation before transplanting.

It can also be transplanted in February/March before budding, also with strong pruning and/or partial defoliation, but the response tends to be slower at this time..

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care and specific fortifiers you can use, consult the transplant technical sheet. 

Wiring: Preferably at the end of Winter or in Summer but with partial defoliation.

Instructions on wiring, consult the wiring technical sheet.