Pittosporum elizabeth is an ornamental plant in the Pittosporaceae family. It is native to Australia and New Zealand. The pittosporum elizabeth plant is an evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 15m tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy with a white margin. The flowers are white and borne in clusters. The fruits are dark brown, oval-shaped and about 1cm in diameter.
Related plant:
Pittosporum Shrub
Related plant:
Pittosporum Irene Patterson
About soil condition, pittosporum elizabeth can grow in well-drained soils. It is best to amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting. This will help to improve drainage and keep the roots healthy. The pH of the soil should be around 6.0 to 7.0.
Similar to other pittosporum shrubs, "Elizabeth" does best in full sun to partial shade. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade is appreciated. The more sun the shrub gets, the more compact and dense its growth will be. "Elizabeth" tolerates a wide range of soils, as long as the site is well-drained. It is drought-tolerant once established, but looks best with regular watering during prolonged dry spells.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for Pittosporum elizabeth is warm and humid. This plant does not tolerate cold well and should be protected from frost. It prefers full sun to partial shade and will tolerate most soil types as long as it is well-drained.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and new growth will be stunted. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied monthly. For the root system, pittosporum elizabeth have a tap root system. This means that the main root grows straight down, and then smaller roots branch out from it. The tap root system helps the plant to anchor itself in the ground and to absorb water and nutrients more effectively.
Pruning is an essential part of keeping your Pittosporum Elizabeth healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to control the shape and size of the plant, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, always use clean, sharp pruning tools and be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Propagation of pittosporum elizabeth is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches in length and taken from new growth. It is important to use a sharp knife or shears to take the cuttings, as this will help to prevent any damage to the plant. Once the cuttings have been taken, they should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light and roots should form within 6-8 weeks. Once roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate falling between 24 and 36 inches per year. Many plants will take a little longer to get established and might only grow about 6 inches during their first year. With proper growing conditions, though, you can expect fast growth from your pittosporum elizabeth.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and caterpillars. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and appears as small, dark spots on the leaves. Root rot is caused by a water-mold and results in the plant's roots being rotted. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and can cause extensive damage to the leaves of the plant.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Pittosporum,
Pittosporum heterophyllum (Chinese Pittosporum) | North
Japanese Pittosporum | University of Redlands
