Overview of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Pittosporum genus. It is commonly known as the Small-leaved Pittosporum or Hoare's Cheesewood and it is native to Australia.
Appearance of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
The Small-leaved Pittosporum typically grows to a height of 1-4 meters tall and 1-3 meters wide. The tree has a spreading crown and a rounded canopy. Its leaves are glossy, smooth and lance-shaped, growing up to 7 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and have a slightly sweet fragrance.
Uses of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is a versatile plant that has multiple uses. Its small size and evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for providing year-round screening and privacy. It is also popular as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and fragrant flowers. The tree is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a suitable choice for gardens with limited water resources. Additionally, the wood of the Small-leaved Pittosporum tree can be used for making tool handles and small items of furniture.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum typically thrives in areas with partial or full sunlight, making it an ideal plant for locations with access to consistent sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to regions with warm temperatures, with an average temperature range of 18-25°C (64-77°F). It can tolerate moderately low temperatures, but it is not frost-resistant. Pittosporum glabrum thrives in areas with warm spring and summer temperatures, with the temperature dropping slightly in the fall before winter.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it will grow best in loamy or sandy soils.
Cultivation Methods for Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
The Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn., commonly known as the shiny-leaved mock orange, is an evergreen shrub that flourishes in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining soil. The plant grows up to 10 feet in height and 5 feet in width. It is best to plant young Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. plants during spring or fall, giving them ample time to establish roots before the onset of harsh weather. A hole twice the size of the plant's root ball should be dug and filled with fresh soil enriched with compost or manure before planting.
Watering Needs for Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. thrives in moist soil but requires well-draining soil, and thus overwatering should be avoided. The plant should be watered thoroughly once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. When the topsoil is dry to the touch, watering is required to maintain the optimal hydration level.
Fertilization of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
The growth rate and the appearance of the plant are influenced by its fertilizer type and amounts. Applying a slow-release fertilizer twice a year is recommended: once during early spring and again during mid-summer. A fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is ideal to provide the plant with the needed nutrients to thrive. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-application, which may harm the plant.
Pruning of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
Pruning is required to maintain the plant's size and shape, promote proper branching, and produce bushier growth. The best time to prune Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed, as well as any broken or damaged parts. To avoid cutting too much, the pruning size should not be more than one-third of the plant's leafy crown.
Propagation of Pittosporum Glabrum Hook. & Arn.
One of the easiest ways to propagate Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is by using softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the spring season when the green leaves are soft and tender. The steps involved in propagating Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. using softwood cuttings are as follows:
Softwood Cuttings Propagation Method:
- Take a 4 to 6 inches long cutting from the tender green leaves of the Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and leave only two or three leaves on the top.
- Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting into a potting mix of peat moss and perlite.
- Water the cutting well and place it in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight.
- Mist the leaves of the cutting regularly to keep them moist.
- In about 2 to 3 weeks, the cutting should start rooting, and within 8 to 12 weeks, it should be ready to transplant into a larger pot or the garden.
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. can also be propagated through seeds. The steps involved in this method are as follows:
Seed Propagation Method:
- Collect the seeds from the parent plant during the fall season.
- Clean the seeds and soak them in water for a few hours.
- Plant the seeds in a potting mix of peat moss and perlite.
- Water the soil well and cover the pot with a plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place the pot in a warm and well-lit area but not in direct sunlight.
- The seeds should germinate within 4 to 8 weeks.
- Once the seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, transplant them into larger pots or the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn., commonly known as shiny pittosporum, is a hardy evergreen shrub that is usually grown for ornamental purposes in home gardens and landscapes. This plant has a high resistance to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems that require immediate attention and management.
Common Diseases of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
One of the most common diseases that can affect Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is root rot. This disease occurs due to overwatering and can lead to wilting of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Another disease that can affect P. glabrum is leaf spot, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and have black spots. Remove the infected leaves and stems and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent further spread.
Common Pests of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn.
One of the common pests that can affect Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. is the Pittosporum psyllid. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, resulting in curling and deformation of the leaves. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of the infected leaves and apply insecticidal soap on the remaining plant to deter further infestation. Another pest that can affect the plant is the scale insect. These tiny insects suck on the sap, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, especially on the underside of the leaves, which are their preferred breeding ground.
Regularly check and inspect Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. for signs of disease and pests. Early detection will allow for immediate management and prevention of further spread. By properly managing and maintaining P. glabrum, you can enjoy its aesthetic beauty year-round.
