How to grow potted Pittosporum tobira? A detailed guide to cultivation methods and tips
Pittosporum tobira, also known as Qili Xiang, Baozhu Xiang, Shanrui Xiang and so on, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pittosporum in the family Pittosporaceae, reaching up to 6 m tall, with young branches covered in brown soft hairs, and umbel inflorescences or corymbose umbel inflorescences terminal or nearly terminal. It can usually be planted as a hedge, and can also be planted singly or in groups at the edge of grass, at the forest edge or beside a gate, or planted in rows along a roadside. Let us take a look below at the cultivation methods for potted Pittosporum tobira!
Growth habits of Pittosporum tobira
It has strong adaptability to climate, can withstand cold and is also quite tolerant of summer heat. South of the Yellow River basin, it can overwinter safely in the open ground. It has strong adaptability to soil and can grow normally in clay, sandy soil and light saline-alkali soil. It has strong resistance to toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and chlorine. Its adaptability to light is also quite strong; it is fairly shade-tolerant and also quite tolerant of blazing sun, but grows best in semi-shaded locations. The optimum growth temperature is 15-30°C. In winter, place it indoors in a cool but non-freezing spot; it can endure freezing temperatures, but to make it grow well, the minimum night temperature should be kept above 13°C.
Propagation methods for Pittosporum tobira
Pittosporum tobira is propagated by sowing or cuttings. The capsules mature from October to November, and are sown in mid-March of the following year by the drill method; the seed germination rate is about 50%. The seedlings grow rather slowly; seedling plants generally need 2 years of growth before they are suitable for potting, and 3-4 years of growth before they are suitable for being lifted with a soil ball and planted out. For cuttings, in early spring before the new leaves sprout, cut 1-2-year-old young branches into sections 15 cm long each, insert them into a moist sand bed, provide sparse light, and mist to keep moist; they root in about 20 days, and after about a month and a half are moved to the nursery for cultivation; 2-3-year-old plants can be used for potting or lifted for planting out. In routine management, attention should be paid to maintaining the tree shape, watering appropriately during drought, and applying 1 basal fertilizer in winter.
Cultivation methods for Pittosporum tobira
1. Potting: When potting Pittosporum tobira, it must be planted with its original soil, in a deep pot; add a ring of rigid plastic sheet 5-8 cm high along the upper inner rim of the pot, and put more broken tiles in the bottom of the pot. When potting, the root area can be raised accordingly, and the potting soil slightly lower than the plastic ring, so that deep-pot shallow-planting does not affect survival.
2. Light: Pittosporum tobira has strong adaptability to light. In summer it can be placed outdoors; if conditions permit, it can be placed in dappled shade. Strong light does no harm to the plant.
3. Temperature: Pittosporum tobira needs an air humidity of about 50%, and the suitable growth temperature is 15-30°C. In winter, place it indoors in a cool but non-freezing spot, with a minimum temperature of 5°C.
4. Watering: Pittosporum tobira consumes a large amount of water in summer and should be watered frequently; in winter, if the temperature is relatively low, the amount of watering should be reduced accordingly.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing season, fertilize Pittosporum tobira once every two weeks; no fertilizer is needed in other periods.
6. Repotting: Potted young Pittosporum tobira plants are repotted once a year, and mature plants once every 2-3 years. The potting mixture is prepared with 1/3 leaf mold plus 2/3 clay or loam. When repotting, dead roots must be cut off, and new culture soil containing more organic matter should be added to the potting soil.
7. Pruning: Pittosporum tobira has strong branching ability and tolerates pruning. In early spring it needs pruning and shaping to maintain a graceful tree shape. If you want to inhibit its growth and make its branches and leaves more luxuriant, cut off the tips when it grows to the corresponding height. Some also prune it into various shapes.