Pittosporum

Family. Pittosporaceae.

Origin. Australia, New Zealand, Asia.

Description. Pittosporum is a large genus of evergreen multi-stemmed shrubs or trees, consisting of 160 species. The leaves are elliptical or oblong-lanceolate, up to 10 cm long, arranged in whorls or spirally, dark green, glossy. The lower surface of the leaf blade is covered with thick short fluff. In spring, axillary inflorescences are formed with several creamy-white or purple flowers about 2 cm in diameter; some species have buds with a pleasant aroma. Currently, varieties with burgundy foliage or variegated leaves with white spots have been bred.

Height. Grows very slowly, but with age reaches a height of 1.50 m. 

Care at home

Flowering time 

Spring Summer.

Reproduction

Reproduction is possible by semi-lignified stem cuttings about 6 - 8 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the bases are dusted with growth hormones. Rooting is carried out in a mixture of wet peat and sand under a glass or plastic cap for 1.5 months. Rarely propagated by seeds.

Growing 

In summer, pittosporum will appreciate being outdoors. To maintain a compact shape and a neat appearance, too long shoots are cut to the required height. With the help of pruning, you can give the tree any desired shape.

Transplant

Replanting is carried out in the spring, approximately once every 2 years. For large tub plants, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh substrate every year.

Temperature

Moderately cool conditions at temperatures around 18 - 20° C. The bush does not like extreme heat. In the winter months, provide a cool rest period at 10° C. Do not expose plants to temperatures below 7° C.

Lighting

The shoots and leaves should receive about 3 hours of direct sunlight daily in the morning or evening hours. Shade the flower in hot summer.

Soil

Loose soil with sufficient organic matter and good drainage should have a pH no higher than 6.0. 

Fertilizer

During the growing season, feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. In the fall, feeding is stopped and resumed only with the beginning of new growth. 

Spraying 

Pittosporum does not need spraying, but will thrive in constantly ventilated areas with good air circulation. 

Water

During the growth period, water abundantly, soaking the soil completely; after watering, excess moisture should be removed from the pan. Between waterings, dry the soil to a depth of about 2 cm. In the winter months, when the temperature drops, reduce the frequency of watering to a minimum, being careful not to dry out all the soil. 

Diseases and pests 

When the temperature is too low, the trees shed their lower leaves. When there is insufficient drainage, the root system rots.

Insects that can harm the flower are spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips.

Purpose

Miniature varieties can be grown as groundcover species. Well suited for growing in bonsai style.

Varieties:

Pittosporum tobira​

An evergreen, abundantly branched shrub, which in its natural habitat reaches a height of 10 m. When grown at home, the height of the plants is easily adjusted by pruning. The leaves are dark green, glossy, oblong-oval, thick, on short petioles, 3 - 12 cm long. The flowers are cream or white, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, with 5 oblong petals, appear in the spring on the tops of the shoots. During the flowering period, the plant emits a pleasant aroma. 

Pittosporum 'Ralphie' ​​​

In nature, this species is a small, compact, evergreen tree or shrub up to 6 m high. Thin, abundantly branching shoots form a lush crown of the plant. The leaves are glossy, thick, green, oval, arranged alternately on short petioles. Young shoots and leaves often have slight pubescence. The flowers are attractive, violet-burgundy, collected in few-flowered apical inflorescences. 

Pittosporum tenuifolium​

A fast growing evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense crown. The shoots are thin, covered with glossy, dark brown bark. The leaves are glossy, green, lanceolate, the edges of the leaf blades are often corrugated. The flowers are small, dark - violet - burgundy, fragrant, appear in the spring on the tops of the shoots.