How to Grow Mojo Pittosporum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Mojo pittosporum is an attractive shrub or small tree that is widely grown as an ornamental plant. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The fruit is a small, black drupe.

How to Grow Mojo Pittosporum - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Mock orange
  • Japanese privet
  • Purple allamanda
  • Wax plant
  • Winter daphne

Things to Know

  • Mojo pittosporum is a evergreen shrub or small tree.
  • It is native to New Zealand.
  • It has wavy-margined, dark green leaves.
  • The leaves are aromatic when crushed.
  • It has small, brownish-purple flowers.
  • The flowers are followed by dark blue berries.
  • Mojo pittosporum grows best in full sun.
  • It prefers moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is tolerant of salt spray and wind.
  • It is suitable for use as a hedge, screen, or accent plant.

How to Grow

  1. For mojo pittosporum, first step is to purchase a plant that is already started from a nursery.
  2. Find a location in your yard that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s container.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the plant deeply.
  7. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and control its size.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful mojo pittosporum!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Pittosporum tenuifolium Mojo is not very fussy. It grows well in average to good garden soils that are moist but well drained. It will also tolerate sandy or chalky soils and even heavy clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. This evergreen shrub is also quite tolerant of salt and pollution so it is often used as a street tree or in coastal gardens.

Light requirement

So, like the other pittosporums, the Mojo pittosporum is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for Mojo Pittosporum is that it should not be too hot or too cold. They prefer a moderate temperature. They will do best in an environment that has a lot of humidity. They also need a lot of sunlight to grow properly.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. Also, the plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. The leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and curl up if the plant is not getting enough moisture. On the other hand, if the plant is getting too much moisture, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant is not fussy and responds well to regular feedings during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It's best to apply fertilizer to moist soil since the plant's roots are very close to the surface. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves to prevent leaf burn.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your Mojo Pittosporum healthy and looking its best. This tough, evergreen shrub can handle being cut back quite severely, so don't be afraid to give it a good prune every few years. You can prune Mojo Pittosporum at any time of year, but late winter or early spring is best.

The Propagation

Propagation for Mojo Pittosporum is typically done through seed, although cuttings can also be taken from young plants. Seed should be sown in a well-drained seedling mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Once seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into individual pots or cell trays. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood and should be planted in a well-drained cutting mix. Cuttings should be kept moist and should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and moist. The growth is rapid during these months, with the plant adding several inches. The growth rate begins to slow down during the fall and winter when the weather becomes drier and cooler. Mojo pittosporum is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates, and as a perennial in warmer regions.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are thrips and scale, which can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. If the plant is too wet, it is susceptible to root rot, which can be prevented by planting it in well-drained soil. If the plant is too dry, it may experience dieback.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to give your Mojo Pittosporum plant plenty of space to grow.
  • Mojo Pittosporum plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • water your Mojo Pittosporum plant regularly but do not overwater.
  • Fertilize your Mojo Pittosporum plant every few months with a general purpose fertilizer.
  • Prune your Mojo Pittosporum plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the berries from your Mojo Pittosporum plant when they are ripe and use them in jams, jellies or pies.
  • The leaves of your Mojo Pittosporum plant can be used in salads or as a garnish.
  • The flowers of your Mojo Pittosporum plant make a beautiful addition to any bouquet.

Substitution

  • Pittosporum crassifolium cultivation
  • Pittosporum crassifolium medicinal uses
  • Pittosporum crassifolium uses
  • Pittosporum crassifolium trees
  • Pittosporum crassifolium morphology
  • Pittosporum crassifolium disease
  • Pittosporum crassifolium description
  • Pittosporum crassifolium habitat
  • Pittosporum crassifolium habitat type
  • Pittosporum crassifolium habitat uses

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Pittosporum ... - ucanr.edu
Pittosporum heterophyllum (Chinese Pittosporum) | North …
Pittosporum undulatum, mock orange | Trees of Stanford & Environs

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Shrubs Category