Tawhiwhi 'Abbotsbury Gold' Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Abbotsbury Gold' (f/v)

Water

For the Kohuhu, water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, it should be watered once a week, delivering about 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy periods, reduce the frequency. Always check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water the plant. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and focus on the base of the plant.

Light

Kohuhu thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in areas with particularly hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.

Temperature

Kohuhu prefers temperate climates and is hardy in temperatures as low as 20°F and can tolerate up to around 85°F, although it thrives best when the temperature ranges from 60°F to 75°F. It can withstand occasional dips below this range, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat can be harmful to the plant.

Pruning

Kohuhu should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth, but it is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require frequent pruning. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This can be done annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kohuhu prefers a quickly draining soil mix consisting of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat to retain some moisture while avoiding waterlogging. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5.

Repotting

Kohuhu should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. Younger, more actively growing plants may require more frequent repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Kohuhu typically fares well in average home humidity levels but can benefit from slightly higher humidity. Aim for a relative humidity of around 40-50%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Kohuhu in bright indirect light, ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Grow Kohuhu in partial shade to full sun, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Abbotsbury Gold', commonly known as Kohuhu or Tawhiwhi, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a well-drained soil medium and warm temperatures. After germination, the seedling stage proceeds as the plant develops roots and the first true leaves appear, exhibiting variegated foliage that is characteristic of this cultivar. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth, producing more leaves and branches and forming a bushy habit. This is followed by the maturity stage where the Kohuhu produces small, honey-scented, dark-purple flowers, usually in late spring or early summer. If conditions allow, the flowers are followed by seed pod development, which then dry and release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Kohuhu may undergo pruning and shaping to maintain a desired form, and can live many years if given proper care and protected from extreme frosts.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Abbotsbury Gold', also known as Kohuhu, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer after new growth has matured and started to harden. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with the lower leaves removed. Dipping the cut ends in rooting hormone can enhance the chances of successful root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried, as roots will develop from these points. The environment should be kept humid, often by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or dome, and out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which generally takes several weeks.