Overview of Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf., also known as Chinese pittosporum, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Pittosporaceae. This plant is native to eastern Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, where it grows in woodlands, hillsides, and grassy slopes. It has been introduced and naturalized in other regions, including the United States, Europe, and Australia.
General Appearance
The Chinese pittosporum typically grows between 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. It has an upright, bushy habit, with multiple stems that often form a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and ovate-shaped, measuring up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves are dark green and stay on the tree year-round.
The Chinese pittosporum produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are pink or white and have a sweet, pleasant fragrance. The plant's fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Common Names
The Chinese pittosporum is commonly known by several names, including:
- Chinese mock orange
- Japanese cheesewood
- Yamamomo
- Velvetleaf pittosporum
Uses
The Chinese pittosporum has several uses, such as ornamental and medicinal. In landscaping, this plant is often used as a hedge, screen, or accent plant because of its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is also used in bonsai making and as a container plant. The tree's bark has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, such as bronchitis, cough, and fever.
The Chinese pittosporum is easy to grow and care for, as it tolerates different soil types and light conditions. However, it is susceptible to certain diseases, such as leaf spot and root rot, and pests, such as scales and caterpillars. Proper maintenance and pruning can help prevent these issues and keep the plant healthy.
Overall, the Chinese pittosporum is a versatile and attractive plant that can add beauty and aroma to any garden or landscape.Light Requirements
Pittosporum sinense Desf. thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight to promote healthy growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum sinense Desf. is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, where the average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C.
During the summer months, ensure that temperatures do not exceed 30°C, as this can cause the plant to wilt and suffer heat stress. During the winter months, it is important to protect the plant from frost by covering it or moving it to a warmer location.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum sinense Desf. prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to promote healthy growth and development.
Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-decomposed manure. When planting, ensure that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
It is important to note that Pittosporum sinense Desf. can tolerate slightly acidic soil conditions, but it may suffer in soils with high alkaline levels
Cultivation of Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf. prefers growing in well-draining, soil enriched with organic matter. A neutral to slightly acidic soil is ideal for this plant. It thrives best in areas that have full sun exposure and partial shade. This plant can tolerate high temperatures and frosty conditions.
To grow this plant, the seeds can be sown in the nursery beds during the spring season. When the seedlings attain a height of about 10-12 cm, they can be transplanted to the growing area, keeping a distance of at least 60 cm between each other.
Watering Needs of Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf. needs moderate watering. Overwatering or underwatering can damage the plant. It is advisable to water the plant once the soil dries out. Too much water can lead to waterlogging in the soil, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Fertilize Pittosporum sinense Desf. with balanced NPK fertilizer during the growing season. The application of organic matter like well-rotted manure enhances the growth of the plant.
The fertilizer should be applied to the base of the plant, and it should be watered immediately. Avoid overfertilization as it leads to the accumulation of salt in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf. requires little pruning. It has a naturally bushy habit of growth. However, it is recommended to prune the plant to maintain its shape and size and prevent it from becoming too bushy. The best time to prune the plant is during the winter season.
Pruning involves cutting young shoots or branches that have developed in the wrong direction or hinder the plant's shape. It is also essential to remove the dead or damaged branches to promote new growth.
Propagation of Pittosporum Sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf. is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering. Each of these techniques has its pros and cons which we will discuss below.
Propagation by Seeds
Pittosporum sinense Desf. seeds are small, black, and shiny. The seeds can be collected directly from the plant or purchased from a reliable source. The seedlings from Pittosporum sinense Desf. seeds tend to be uniform in size and shape and are often healthier than those propagated by other methods.
The seeds of Pittosporum sinense Desf. should be sown in the late winter or early spring. They should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and covered lightly with soil. They should also be kept moist during the germination period.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be used to propagate Pittosporum sinense Desf. during the late summer or early fall. Semi-ripe cuttings that are about 6 inches in length and have a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 inches are preferred. The cutting should be taken from the top part of the plant and should have a few leaves attached to it.
The cutting should be dipped into a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm location with high humidity until new roots have formed.
Propagation by Layering
Pittosporum sinense Desf. can also be propagated through layering. Air layering is the most common method used for layering this plant. The technique involves removing a small section of bark from a stem, applying a rooting hormone, and wrapping the wound with a rooting medium such as moist sphagnum moss. Roots will form at the wound site and once they have established, the stem can be removed from the parent plant and potted.
Layering is a slow process, but it usually results in a larger and more robust plant than propagation by other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum sinense Desf.
Pittosporum sinense Desf. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. In this article, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Pittosporum sinense Desf. are fungal diseases, such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spot is characterized by circular, brown spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Root rot causes the roots to decay and the plant to die.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant in good health by providing it with adequate water and nutrients. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot. If leaf spot or powdery mildew is present, remove and dispose of the affected leaves immediately. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Pittosporum sinense Desf. are spider mites and scales. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Scales are small, round insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the sap from the plant and causing it to weaken.
To manage these pests, it is important to inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation. Use a strong jet of water to wash off spider mites, and treat with an insecticidal soap if necessary. For scales, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate and kill the insects.
Conclusion
Pittosporum sinense Desf. is a hardy plant that can thrive with minimal care. However, it is important to be vigilant for signs of disease and pest infestation. By providing the plant with good care and promptly addressing any issues that arise, you can ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
