Japanese pittosporum is a flowering plant in the family pittosporaceae, native to japan. it is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 1020 m tall, with a trunk up to 60 cm diameter. the leaves are alternate, simple, oblong to lanceolate, 612 cm long and 25 cm broad, with an entire or finely toothed margin. the flowers are borne in clusters of 310, each flower white, sweetly scented, with five petals. the fruit is a black drupe 23 cm long, maturing in autumn.
Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange
Related plant:
Japanese Skimmia
About soil condition, Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) seems to prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, although it is tolerant of poorer soils. It will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Not too different with other shrubs, the Japanese pittosporum needs full sun to partial shade to maintain its luscious leaves. It grows best in loamy, well-drained soil but can also tolerate clay or sand. This plant is also salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas. Keep an eye on the soil moisture, as this shrub is not drought tolerant.
The temperature condition for the growth of Japanese pittosporum is rather particular. It must be warm enough for the tree to grow, but not too hot or the leaves will begin to wilt. The ideal temperature range is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets above 60%, the leaves will start to get yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant is generally not heavy feeders. In average garden soil, they will do just fine with a yearly top dressing of compost or manure in early spring. If you want to give them a little extra boost, you can fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a season. Just make sure not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your Japanese pittosporum. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, and can also help to shape the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is also a good idea to prune back any branches that are growing out of bounds.
Propagation is best done by seed, cuttings, or layering. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Seed germination is often erratic. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and transplant them into individual pots. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10-15cm with a heel, taken in summer, root readily. Layering can be done in spring.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast when they are young. They can gain 2 feet in a single growing season. However, the growth rate slows down as the plant matures. On average, an adult japanese pittosporum will only gain about 6 inches in a growing season.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Root rot is a fungal disease that can kill the roots and make the plant wilt. Scale is an insect that can suck the sap out of the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off.
Source:
Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) | California State
Common Name: Japanese Pittosporum Rosales - Louisiana Tech
Fatsia japonica - North Carolina State University
