How to Grow Pittosporum Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Pittosporum shrub is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of green to their home. This shrub is easy to care for and can thrive in both sun and shade. Pittosporum shrubs are also known for their fragrant flowers, making them a great addition to any garden.

How to Grow Pittosporum Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Orange pittosporum
  • Yellow pittosporum
  • Purple pittosporum
  • Blue pittosporum
  • pink pittosporum

Basic info

  • Pittosporum shrubs are evergreen, meaning they will keep their leaves all year long.
  • They are fast growing and can reach up to 15 feet tall.
  • Pittosporum shrubs are mainly grown for their beautiful, dark green leaves.
  • The flowers of pittosporum shrubs are small and inconspicuous.
  • Pittosporum shrubs are native to Australia and New Zealand.
  • They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  • Pittosporum shrubs are relatively low maintenance and do not require much pruning.
  • They are resistant to most pests and diseases.
  • Pittosporum shrubs make an excellent addition to any landscape.
  • Pittosporum shrubs are available for purchase at most garden centers and nurseries.

How to Grow

  1. For pittosporum shrub, first step is to choose a sunny location.
  2. Then, prepare the soil by mixing in some organic matter.
  3. Next, sow the seeds in a seed tray or pot.
  4. Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them out so that only the strongest seedlings remain.
  5. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
  6. Once the plants are big enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in the garden.
  7. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
  8. Apply a mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture.
  9. Prune the plants back hard in late winter to encourage new growth.
  10. Enjoy the flowers that appear in spring!

Related plant:
Pittosporum Variegatum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, pittosporum shrub prefers well-drained soil, and it will also grow in sandy soil as long as it is well-drained. It is not particular about pH, and it will even do well in chalky soil. It is not very drought tolerant, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

Light requirement

Just like other pittosporum shrubs, the sun light requirement for this shrub is 6 hours of sun exposure daily. The sun light requirement is very important for the growth and development of the pittosporum shrub. If the sun light requirement is not met, the shrub will not grow and develop properly.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the Pittosporum shrub is one that is warm and humid. This type of climate is typically found in regions that are close to the equator, such as in tropical areas. The shrub requires a lot of moisture in order to thrive, so a warm and humid climate is essential for its growth. Additionally, the Pittosporum shrub is also able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot to cold. However, it should be noted that the shrub will not do well in climates that are too dry or too wet.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. They are not too particular about humidity levels, however, so as long as the air is not too dry, they will be fine. They do best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sun.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this family of plant is not too demanding and does best with a general-purpose fertilizer applied in early spring and again in mid-summer. As for the root, it is best to plant pittosporum in soil that is acidic, organic and well-drained.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of pittosporum shrub care. Pruning helps to control the shape and size of the plant, as well as encourage new growth. When pruning, it is important to make clean, sharp cuts. This will help prevent the spread of disease and ensure that the plant heals properly.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy stems that are about 6 inches long. Make sure to take cuttings from the current year's growth, as older stems will be more difficult to root. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where the leaves join the stem).Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Water the cutting regularly to keep the perlite or sand moist, but not soggy. After 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth appearing on the cutting. At this point, you can remove the plastic bag and begin watering the cutting as you would a normal pittosporum plant.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, meaning the plant will grow relatively quickly compared to other plants. There are some cultivars, however, that have a slow growth rate. When choosing a pittosporum shrub for your landscape, be sure to check the growth rate to ensure it will fit in with your desired look.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are dull leaves, compact growth, and black sooty mold. Treating with horticultural oil or neem oil usually takes care of the mold problem. Black sooty mold is a common fungal disease that affects many types of plants, including pittosporum. The fungus grows on the honeydew secreted by aphids and other sucking insects. While the fungus itself does not harm the plant, it can cause the leaves to become dull and discolored. To control black sooty mold, it is important to first control the insect pests that are producing the honeydew.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your pittosporum regularly, especially during the warmer months.
  • Fertilize your pittosporum every few months to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.
  • Prune your pittosporum regularly to shape it and encourage new growth.
  • Place your pittosporum in an area that receives full sun for at least part of the day.
  • Pittosporums are relatively tolerant of different soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil.
  • In warmer climates, pittosporums can be affected by scale insects. Regularly check your plant for signs of infestation and treat accordingly.
  • Pittosporums are generally disease-free, but they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered.
  • Pittosporums are relatively drought tolerant once they are established, but they will flower and fruit better if

Substitution

  • Pittosporum crassifolium
  • Pittosporum ellipticum
  • Pittosporum eugenioides
  • Pittosporum fraserii
  • Pittosporum ferox
  • Pittosporum gatternbyi
  • Pittosporum halmiophyton
  • Pittosporum maidenii
  • Pittosporum multiflorum
  • Pittosporum napariensis

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Pittosporum, …
Fact sheet: Pittosporum - UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County
Pittosporum confertiflorum (Ho'awa) - University of Hawai?i

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category