Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'

Water

The Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Water it every one to two weeks, adjusting for weather conditions. During hot or dry spells, watering might be needed more frequently to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water for mature plants each time you water. Younger plants may need water in smaller amounts, such as half a gallon, to avoid overwatering and root rot.

Light

Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best placed in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sunlight is beneficial, with some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot will have bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day.

Temperature

Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' prefers a moderate temperature range and can tolerate conditions between 50°F and 80°F. It is hardy and can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F once established. The ideal temperature for this plant is a consistent range between 60°F and 70°F.

Pruning

Pruning Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' helps maintain its shape and encourages dense growth. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. This can be done annually or as needed to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for more extensive shaping is after the plant has finished its main flush of growth in early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regularly enriched with organic matter, this soil mixture will support the vigorous growth of this attractive shrub.

Repotting

Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent rootbound conditions and to refresh the soil. Best repotted in spring before the onset of the growing season, careful handling of the root system will minimize stress and encourage healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Kohuhu 'Tom Thumb' prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of its native New Zealand environment. Aim for a relative humidity range of 40-60% for optimal growth, as excessively dry air may lead to leaf desiccation and stress on the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

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

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', commonly known as Kohuhu or 'Tom Thumb' Pittosporum, begins with germination, which occurs when its small, viable seeds encounter appropriate soil and climatic conditions, including sufficient warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, evolving into a young plant that gradually matures over several years into an adult shrub. In its adult stage, 'Tom Thumb' Pittosporum produces small, inconspicuous, honey-scented flowers, typically in late spring to summer, which are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into small seed capsules, which eventually open to release seeds for the next generation. Over time, the woody shrub can reach up to around 1 meter in height, with distinctive purple-black foliage, and it may require pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The lifecycle continues as long as conditions remain favorable, but as with any plant, the 'Tom Thumb' Pittosporum will eventually age and experience senescence, leading to the end of its lifecycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter-Early Spring

• The Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', commonly known as Kohuhu or Tawhiwhi, is typically propagated in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this shrub is through semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from a healthy, disease-free part of the plant, ensuring that it contains several leaves. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the likelihood of successful rooting. Then, the cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix, with about half the length of the cutting buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm, indirect light location until roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.