Origin
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.), commonly known as Mona Pittosporum, is a hybrid plant that was developed by R.C. Keating in 1964. It is a cross between Pittosporum viridiflorum and Pittosporum ralphii, both of which are endemic to New Zealand.
Common Names
Mona Pittosporum is also commonly known as Keating's Hybrid, Pittosporum Mona, and Green Pittosporum.
Uses
Mona Pittosporum is often used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive dark green leaves and small, fragrant flowers. It is commonly planted in gardens and as a hedge or border plant. It is also utilized as a source of essential oils, which are extracted from the flowers and used in perfumes and aromatherapy products.
General Appearance
Mona Pittosporum is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to between 3-5 meters in height. It has a dense growth habit and produces glossy, dark green leaves that are up to 12 centimeters long. The small, fragrant flowers are pale cream in color and appear in the summer months. The fruits of the plant are small, spherical capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorching. Similarly, in areas with cooler temperatures, full sun exposure is recommended to enhance photosynthesis and encourage healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) thrives in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal range of temperature for this plant is between 21°C (70°F) to 27°C (80°F). When temperatures exceed 32°C (90°F), it is recommended to shade the plant or reduce exposure to direct sunlight to prevent heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. Sandy loams with a high content of organic matter are ideal for this plant. It is important to note that Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant obtained by crossing two other Pittosporum species. It is an evergreen shrub plant that grows up to four meters tall and has a habit of spreading. This plant tends to grow well in full sunlight or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile with a pH of 5.5-7.5. It can grow in different types of soils, including sandy loams, clay loams, and loams.
Watering needs
This plant requires regular watering, especially during dry seasons. Watering should be done deeply rather than frequently, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to the roots. Irrigation should be done every week with one to two inches of water. However, overwatering can cause root rot, Wilson's disease as the plant is intolerant to waterlogging.
Fertilization
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) requires fertilization to keep it healthy and encourage flowering. You can add manure or compost to the soil to improve its fertility. Fertilizers should be applied from the plant's base to the drip line. It is best to apply slow-release fertilizers in late winter or early spring and once again in late summer. Over-fertilization can cause excessive leaf growth, which can be detrimental to the plant.
Pruning
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John (pro sp.) should be pruned during the dormant season (late winter or early spring). Pruning should be done to remove unhealthy or dead branches and keep the plant's shape. You can also prune the plant to control its size or shape. When pruning, ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid causing damage or spreading infections.
Propagation Methods for Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings.
Seeds
The seeds of Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John can be collected from ripened seed pods, which usually appear in late summer to early fall. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination, which usually takes about three weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Cuttings from Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John can be taken in late spring to early summer from new growth that has not yet become woody. The cuttings should be approximately four to six inches long and should include some leaves. The lower leaves should be removed and the stems should be dipped into rooting hormone to promote rooting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until rooting occurs, usually within six to eight weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John
Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John, also known as Monrovia's Marble Queen Pittosporum, is a hybrid plant that is commonly grown as a hedge, border, or specimen plant. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pest infestations that can cause damage and reduce its aesthetic appeal. It is essential to practice good disease and pest management techniques to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John include:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, round spots to appear on the leaves, which later turn yellow and fall off. It can be controlled by pruning and disposing of infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which leads to the roots becoming waterlogged and eventually rotting. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Pittosporum ×monae Rock ex St. John include:
- Scale insects: These insects are small and usually found on the underside of leaves or stems. They can be controlled by pruning and disposing of affected plant parts and spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests are small and have a white, cotton-like appearance. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Regular monitoring of the plant is crucial in detecting any signs of disease or pest infestation. Removing and disposing of affected plant parts reduces the spread of diseases and pests. The use of chemical pesticides should be minimized and only used as a last resort. Proper nutrition, watering, and soil management practices go a long way in preventing diseases and pest infestations.
