Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Limelight' (v)

Water

The Kohuhu 'Limelight' should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. In general, this may mean watering every 7 to 10 days, but this frequency can vary based on temperature and humidity. It is best to water with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons for outdoor plants, ensuring even soil moisture but avoiding waterlogged conditions. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency as plant growth slows down. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering again to prevent over-watering.

Light

The Kohuhu 'Limelight' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

The Kohuhu 'Limelight' prefers a moderate temperature range and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but is happier when temperatures do not drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but requires protection from harsh winter cold.

Pruning

The Kohuhu 'Limelight' should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping as desired. It can be pruned again lightly in summer if necessary, to refine its shape. Generally, pruning once or twice a year is sufficient unless the plant is being trained into a specific form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kohuhu thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix should be composed of two parts loamy soil, one part peat or organic compost, and one part perlite or sand to enhance drainage. Mulching is beneficial to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Repotting

Kohuhu generally needs repotting every 2-3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot each time to allow for growth. Spring is the ideal season for repotting this plant, as it helps with recovery and growth through the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Kohuhu prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Ideal humidity should range between 40-60%. In overly dry environments, occasional misting can help maintain the necessary humidity levels for healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Kohuhu in bright, indirect light and away from drafts.

• Outdoor

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

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Limelight', commonly known as Kohuhu 'Limelight', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favourable—warm temperatures and moist soil being ideal. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants with delicate, light green and cream variegated foliage, which gradually matures into sturdier, woody stems as part of the vegetative growth stage. As the plants reach maturity, they form a dense, bushy habit and may begin to flower, producing small, inconspicuous, and often fragrant blooms that are usually purple or black. Following pollination, fertilized flowers develop into seed capsules that, when dried, release seeds to continue the propagation cycle. Kohuhu 'Limelight' can also be propagated vegetatively using cuttings that root and grow into new plants. The plant continues to grow and can be maintained by routine pruning to manage size and shape, eventually reaching the end of its life cycle when it can no longer sustain growth, which under optimal conditions might span several decades.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating 'Limelight' Pittosporum, also known as Kohuhu, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is best done in late summer. To propagate, a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting is taken from a healthy plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand to aid drainage. The cutting should be kept in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and maintained at high humidity, often by covering with a plastic bag or placing in a propagator. Roots typically develop in several weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out in the garden the following spring.