Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star'

Water

Kohuhu should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 gallon of water for every 3 feet of plant height every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. Reduce watering frequency in the winter when the plant is dormant. It's important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. For potted Kohuhu, make sure the pot has good drainage and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Light

Kohuhu thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should be planted in a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching the foliage.

Temperature

Kohuhu does well in a range of temperatures, but ideally it prefers conditions between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand occasional dips down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can cause damage. Conversely, it is tolerant of higher temperatures provided it is not in full sun and has sufficient water.

Pruning

Pruning Kohuhu helps maintain its shape and promotes dense foliage growth. It is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, but frequency can be adjusted depending on the desired size and shape. Light pruning can be performed anytime during the growing season if needed to remove damaged or unruly branches.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Kohuhu 'Gold Star' consists of a well-draining, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 5.5 and 7.5. Mix equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and provide aeration.

Repotting

Kohuhu 'Gold Star' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, which can be assessed by checking if the roots are circling the bottom or protruding from the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Kohuhu 'Gold Star' does well in moderate humidity levels, typically between 40% to 60%. This plant is relatively flexible but avoid extremely dry air which might cause leaf edges to brown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Kohuhu in bright indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Kohuhu in partial shade to full sun, in well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star', commonly known as Kohuhu 'Gold Star', begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil with exposure to light. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with distinct juvenile foliage that is often different in texture and color compared to the mature leaves. As it grows into a young plant, it starts to form a woody stem and the typical golden-green, variegated foliage that the 'Gold Star' cultivar is known for. The plant enters its mature phase when it begins flowering, producing small, purple, honey-scented flowers which are often followed by seed capsules that, when ripe, release seeds to begin a new generation. The Kohuhu 'Gold Star' reaches full maturity in a few years and can live for several decades, forming a dense evergreen shrub. Pruning and maintenance are important for shaping and encouraging bushier growth, extending the plant's ornamental life and vigor.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star', also known as Kohuhu or Tawhiwhi 'Gold Star', is usually propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant during the late summer to early fall months. Choose a healthy parent plant and cut semi-hardwood stems of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cuttings should ideally have several leaf nodes and it's recommended to remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. The treated cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried in the soil. Provide a warm, moist environment by placing the pots in a covered propagator or by covering them with a plastic bag, and keep them in indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted.