Pittosporum tobira, an evergreen shrub: flowering period, seedling prices and potted planting methods

Pittosporum tobira is also called Pittosporum flower, Shanfan, Qilixiang, Baozhuxiang, and Shanruixiang. It belongs to the genus Pittosporum and is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing up to 6 m tall.So when does Pittosporum tobira generally bloom? How much does a seedling cost? Can it be grown as a potted plant? How is it planted?According to the nursery base in Shuyang, Jiangsu, Pittosporum tobira seedlings are 1.2 yuan each at 40CM; 1.6 yuan each at 50CM; 2.5 yuan each at 55CM; 30 yuan each at 100CM.

When does Pittosporum tobira generally bloom?

1. Pittosporum tobira must be grown for 2 years before it blooms. Pittosporum tobira is a biennial plant. Usually, in the year the seed germinates, it only grows roots and leaves, and it does not bloom and set seed until the second year of cultivation. Pittosporum tobira has strong adaptability to climate, can withstand cold, and is also quite tolerant of summer heat. It is relatively easy to plant and requires no special management.

2. The flowering time of Pittosporum tobira is about March to May each year, and a single flowering period generally lasts about 10-20 days. The flowers of Pittosporum tobira are umbels or corymbose umbels, terminal or nearly terminal, white in color. When in bloom, they are fresh, beautiful and fragrant, with high ornamental value.

Can Pittosporum tobira be grown as a potted plant?

Pittosporum tobira can be grown as a potted plant.

1. Pittosporum tobira likes warm, humid environments, likes sunlight, and also tolerates partial shade. It requires loose, fertile soil. In the south, it is mostly propagated by sowing, while in the north, cuttings are mostly taken in spring. When potted, young plants should be repotted once every spring, and mature plants once every other year. When repotting, dead branches need to be pruned away, new fertile culture soil should be added, and a small amount of bone meal should be used as base fertilizer.

2. During the growing season, often spray water on the leaf surface to help maintain leaf gloss. Watering should be “dry-wet”, applying 1~2 times dilute cake fertilizer water before and after flowering. Stop fertilizing during the flowering period, and appropriately control the amount of watering to prevent flower drop. In the north, move it indoors for winter after the Cold Dew solar term. After moving indoors, place it in a sunny spot, keep the room temperature above 5℃, and pay attention to appropriate ventilation and increasing indoor air humidity. If scale insects are found, control them promptly. When the indoor temperature is low in winter, strictly control watering to allow sufficient dormancy, so as to benefit growth and flowering the following year.

3. Pittosporum tobira has strong branching ability and tolerates pruning. To prevent it from growing into a clumping shrub form, pruning should be started from the seedling stage. When the plant grows to about 30 cm, retain about 20 cm and pinch off the top to encourage side branches. When the side branches grow to a certain length, pinch them again, and promptly cut off root suckers. After autumn each year, before moving indoors, carry out another pruning back, trimming the crown into a spherical shape to improve ornamental value.

How is Pittosporum tobira planted?

1. Pittosporum tobira is relatively drought-tolerant. In summer it consumes a large amount of water, so it should be watered frequently; in winter, if the temperature is relatively low, the amount of watering should be reduced accordingly. Air humidity should be around 50%. It requires fertile soil. During the growing season, apply fertilizer 1-2 times per month; at other times, no fertilization is needed. Young plants should be repotted once a year, and mature plants once every 2-3 years. The potting mix is prepared with 1/3 leaf mold soil plus 2/3 clay or loam. It has strong sprouting ability and tolerates pruning. It can be pruned into various shapes every spring.

2. Pittosporum tobira is easy to cultivate and requires no special management. Open-field transplanting is generally carried out in March. If planting in autumn, it should be around October. Before digging up large seedlings, they must be tied up with ropes to prevent branches from breaking, and when digging, a soil ball must be kept. The size of the soil ball depends on the thickness of the trunk. Small seedlings can be transplanted bare-rooted, but this must also be done promptly. Potted Pittosporum tobira should be repotted once every spring. When repotting, dead roots need to be pruned away, and new culture soil containing more organic matter should be added to the potting soil.

3. Pittosporum tobira has strong branching ability and tolerates pruning. In early spring it needs pruning and shaping to maintain a graceful tree form. If you want to inhibit its growth and make its branches and leaves more abundant, cut the top when it grows to the corresponding height. Some also prune it into various forms. In summer it can be placed outdoors, and if conditions permit, it can be placed in a shaded spot. Strong light does not harm the plant. Air humidity is around 50%. The suitable growth temperature is 15-30℃. In winter, place it indoors in a cool place that does not freeze, with a minimum temperature of 5℃. In summer it consumes a large amount of water, so it should be watered frequently; in winter, if the temperature is relatively low, the amount of watering should be reduced accordingly. During the growing season, apply fertilizer once every two weeks; no fertilizer is needed at other times. Although Pittosporum tobira is shade-tolerant, the planting site should not be too shady, and the plants should not be too dense, otherwise it is prone to damage by cottony cushion scale. When flowering, flies often gather, so attention should be paid to prevention and control.