Overview
Pittosporum engleri, also known as Engler's Cheesewood, is a species of flowering plant in the Pittosporum family (Pittosporaceae). It is a small tree or shrub that is primarily found in Madagascar.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 8 meters (26 ft) tall, and has leaves that are glossy, leathery, and oblong-elliptic in shape. The leaves are a dark green color and grow up to 11 cm (4.3 in) long. The plant produces small, fragrant, cream-colored flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Common Names
Pittosporum engleri is commonly known as Engler's Cheesewood, Yellow Pittosporum or Madagascar Cheesewood.
Uses
The wood of the plant is hard and durable, making it useful in construction. It is also used in carving and making furniture. The plant has also been extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and abundant flowers.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod. thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight. This plant requires at least six hours of sunlight every day to grow well. When planted in areas with insufficient light, the plant grows spindly and unattractive.
Temperature Requirements
The Pittosporum engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod. plant thrives in areas with moderate temperatures. These plants grow well in areas with temperatures ranging between 15 to 26°C. Extremely high temperatures can damage the plant, and it may wilt or die. Similarly, freezing temperatures can damage the plant as well.
Soil Requirements
The Pittosporum engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod. plant grows well in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be too compact. It is necessary to supplement the soil with organic matter if it's not fertile enough. This plant does not do well in waterlogged soil. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Cultivation Methods for Pittosporum Engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod.
Pittosporum engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod. is a hardy shrub that can tolerate poor soil conditions and variable temperatures. It can be propagated from cuttings or grown from seeds.
When planting Pittosporum engleri, ensure that the soil is well-draining and the site receives partial to full sunlight. Water the plant deeply after planting and regularly until it is established.
The plant is ideal for growing in a sheltered location that offers protection from strong winds and frost.
Watering Needs
Pittosporum engleri requires regular watering during the growing season, particularly during dry weather conditions. However, the plant does not like waterlogged soil, so ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry partly before watering again.
Fertilization
Fertilize Pittosporum engleri in the spring with a balanced and slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Alternatively, apply organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
The best time to prune Pittosporum engleri is in the spring before the new growth emerges. Pruning helps maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches by cutting them off at the base. Trim back any overcrowded growth to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Regular pruning also prolongs the life of the plant and encourages healthy and vigorous growth.
Propagation of Pittosporum engleri
Pittosporum engleri is a popular shrub with lush green foliage and beautiful white flowers. It can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Pittosporum engleri can be grown from seeds, which need to be collected after the fruit has ripened and turned brown. The seeds should be cleaned by removing the pulp and then dried. These seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until ready for planting. To plant the seeds, they must first be soaked in warm water overnight before being sown in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be placed in a warm and bright spot and kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Propagation through Cuttings
Pittosporum engleri can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from the tips of the new growth. The leaves at the bottom should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm and bright spot until roots have developed.
Propagation through Layering
Pittosporum engleri can be propagated through layering, which involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and burying it in a shallow trench. The branch should be pinned down with a U-shaped wire and covered with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Roots will form at the buried section, and once well-established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and re-potted.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum Engleri Plants
Pittosporum engleri J.Léonard ex Cufod. is a hardy evergreen plant that is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, it is still susceptible to some common diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some of the most common ones that you should watch out for, along with ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many different types of plants, including Pittosporum engleri. It is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves, which can cause the leaves to fall off prematurely. To manage leaf spot, you should prune away any infected leaves and branches, and avoid overwatering or overcrowding the plant, as these conditions can promote fungal growth.
Root Rot: Root rot is another fungal disease that can affect Pittosporum engleri, particularly if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. It can cause the roots to become waterlogged and eventually rot, which can lead to plant death. To manage root rot, you should ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, if the plant is already infected, you may need to remove it from the soil and replant it in fresh, well-drained soil.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, including Pittosporum engleri. They can cause the leaves to curl and become distorted and can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage aphids, you can try spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or using an insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to help control their population.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are another common pest that can affect Pittosporum engleri. They are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck out the sap. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as the formation of a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage scale insects, you can try scraping them off the plant with a soft brush or cloth, or using an insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators of scale insects, such as parasitic wasps or ladybugs, to help control their population.
By following these tips and regularly monitoring your Pittosporum engleri plant for signs of disease or pests, you can help ensure its health and longevity.
