Overview
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff, also known as smooth mossman or ho'awa, is a plant species that belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. It is native to Hawaii, primarily found in dry to mesic forests on all of the main islands.
Common Names
The common name for Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff includes smooth mossman or ho'awa.
Appearance
The smooth mossman plant primarily grows as a shrub or small tree, ranging from 3-25 feet in height. Its leaves are smooth, oval to lance-shaped, and approximately 4 inches long. The plant produces red, orange, or yellow berries, which attract birds and other wildlife.
Uses
Historically, Hawaiian natives have used the bark and leaves of the smooth mossman for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of fevers, infections, and stomach ailments. The plant is also used in various cultural practices and ceremonies. Today, the smooth mossman is primarily used for ornamental purposes in landscaping and gardens.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff grows best in bright and indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in poor growth and spindly stems. A minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight per day is necessary for healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff is a subtropical plant that is sensitive to cold temperatures. Its optimal temperature range is between 18°C to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause leaf drop and damage to the plant. In areas that experience colder temperatures, it is best to grow this plant in a greenhouse or indoors.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for this plant. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. However, it is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods:
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff thrives in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Before planting, make sure to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure.Watering Needs:
A newly planted Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff requires frequent and deep watering to establish its root system. Once established, it can tolerate drought and only requires watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage.Fertilization:
To ensure optimal growth and development, Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and again in the fall. Avoid applying fertilizer during the winter months when the plant is dormant.Pruning:
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff rarely requires pruning; however, if pruning is necessary, it should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out any noticeable overcrowding. Pruning can stimulate growth, so avoid heavy pruning, which can cause stress to the plant.Propagation of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff can be propagated through several methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through seeds
The plant produces small, black seeds in capsules. The seeds should be collected when the capsules turn brown and start to open. To improve the chances of germination, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in the early summer or fall. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cutting can be planted in a potting mix composed of perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place and misted regularly until roots develop.
Propagation through air layering
Air layering can be done in the spring or summer. Select a healthy stem and make a small cut about 6 inches from the tip. Dust the cut with rooting hormone and wrap the area with damp sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and tie it securely. Once roots develop, cut the stem below the rooted area and pot it in a well-draining mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff is a hardy and low-maintenance shrub that is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, even though the plant is known to be disease-resistant, occasional pest attacks and diseases may occur. Proper disease and pest management should be implemented to keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff is root rot. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, which thrives in water-logged soils. To control root rot, ensure that the plant is not over-watered, and ensure that the soil is well-draining. If you suspect that the plant is affected by root rot, remove the plant from the soil, cut the affected roots, and replant in a new pot with new, well-draining soil. Also, ensure that the plant is not exposed to extreme heat or cold, as these conditions also make the plant susceptible to root rot.
Another common disease that affects Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora pittospori. The disease initiates on the older leaves and gradually spreads to the younger leaves. To control leaf spot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the foliage is dry. In extreme cases, fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may attack Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff are aphids and mealybugs. These pests suck plant sap, which weakens the plant, causing its leaves to drop off and leading to stunted growth.
To control aphids, introduce natural predators or use insecticidal soaps. For mealybugs, remove the insects manually or use insecticides.
Spider mites and scale insects may also attack the plant. These pests tend to accumulate on the undersides of leaves and feed on the plant's sap. To control spider mites, avoid spraying the plant with water, as this exacerbates the problem. Instead, introduce natural predators or use insecticidal soaps. Scale insects can be removed manually or sprayed with insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant, maintaining good cultural practices, and implementing proper disease and pest management will ensure that the Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. intermedium Sherff remains healthy and beautiful.
