Garnettii Pittosporum Pittosporum 'Garnettii' (v)

Water

Variegated Pittosporum requires moderate watering to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It’s advisable to water these shrubs with about 1 - 1.5 gallons per week, adjusting the amount based on rainfall, temperature, and soil drainage. During the hotter months, it may require more frequent watering to prevent stress. In winter, reduce watering to every other week, unless the soil remains wet from rain or snow. Check the top inch of soil for dryness as a guide for when to water again.

Light

Variegated Pittosporum thrives best in bright, indirect light if grown indoors and partial shade to full sun if planted outdoors. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.

Temperature

Variegated Pittosporum prefers a temperature range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit but is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage below this temperature. The ideal conditions for this shrub include staying in a warm, sheltered spot away from cold draughts and extreme heat.

Pruning

Prune Variegated Pittosporum to maintain its shape, control its size, and ensure the plant's overall health. Light pruning can be done any time of year, but the best time for significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning every year or two is typically sufficient for keeping a tidy appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Variegated Pittosporum prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5). A mix that includes loam, peat, and sand or perlite provides the ideal soil structure and nutrients for healthy growth.

Repotting

Variegated Pittosporum should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot, to ensure it has enough room for root growth and to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Variegated Pittosporum thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity typical of indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area, avoid direct sun, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Pittosporum 'Garnettii', commonly known as Garnettii Pittosporum, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with basic root and shoot structures. As it matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, developing its characteristic variegated foliage that's green with creamy white edges. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, the Garnettii Pittosporum enters the flowering stage, producing small, honey-scented flowers that are typically inconspicuous against the foliage. Following pollination, these flowers develop into seed-bearing capsules, signaling the plant's reproductive stage. Once seeds are dispersed, the cycle can begin anew if conditions are favorable. The plant continues to grow and may live for many years, going through multiple flowering and seeding cycles while requiring pruning to maintain shape and health.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Pittosporum 'Garnettii', commonly known as variegated pittosporum, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late summer to early fall. To propagate, a gardener would select a firm, semi-hardwood shoot from the current year's growth and cut a piece roughly 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage while keeping the cutting moist. The potted cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the rooting process can take several weeks. Maintaining consistent moisture levels and providing gentle warmth can help improve the success rate of rooting.