Pittosporum HETEROPHYLLUM

Pittosporum HETEROPHYLLUM - Various-leaved cheesewood, Pittosporum heterophyllum.

Seed series 'Living Bonsai'.

The genus Pittosporum or cheesewood of the family Pittosporaceae is represented by evergreen shrubs, more rarely by trees with a dense crown. These are plants of dry subtropics, for which conditions are fairly easy to recreate. Japan and China are considered their homeland, as can easily be guessed from the "oriental" appearance and picturesque habit of the plant.

In nature, they grow only up to 2 m (6.6 ft) in shrubby form (up to 5 m (16.4 ft) in tree form). Indoor cheesewoods are limited to a maximum height of two meters (6.6 ft), and even then they reach such dimensions only in the absence of pruning. The shrub grows quite slowly; mature cheesewoods add only a few centimeters in length per year. The crown density of these plants is second to none, and it remains unchanged not only when grown outdoors in countries with mild climates, but also in indoor or greenhouse culture.

Strong, flexible shoots with smooth bark are combined in the plant with densely arranged, glossy, leathery, obovate leaves. The shiny leaves at the ends of the branches are gathered in whorl-like clusters, which gives the plant a particularly decorative appearance.

The flowers are fairly large, up to 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. The snow-white coloration upon opening gradually gives way to a creamy light yellow, so in a single inflorescence one can admire flowers of different shades. It possesses a pleasant, tender, and delicate fragrance. The plant does not produce solitary flowers, showing off convex, dense corymbose inflorescences from April (and sometimes March) until the end of June. Flowering can be observed for the first time only at five years of age, and sometimes even later.

After flowering, one can observe the process of gradual ripening of three-valved capsules. The seeds are covered with a sticky resinous secretion and colored in a fairly bright shade of orange.

Various-leaved cheesewood is an evergreen shrub reaching 2-3 m (6.6-10 ft) in height in its natural environment. Young branches have a brownish tint, and the leaves are light green. They are arranged alternately, and form clusters at the ends of the branches. The leaf surface is smooth, matte, and the underside of the blade is pale green. The name "various-leaved" most accurately characterizes the foliage shape. It is indeed diverse: lanceolate, oblanceolate, elongated, cuneate. The leaf blade reaches up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in length and no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) in width.

During the flowering period - from early spring, various-leaved cheesewood delights with the pleasant fragrance of its flowers. Some compare it to the scent of blooming orange trees, others to jasmine. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between. Flowers are gathered in inflorescences of five to seven pieces. They are small, colored pale cream or pale green, almost white. After flowering ends, closer to September, fruits appear. They have a spherical shape and, after fully ripening, crack open, revealing bright red seeds.

Seeds are sown superficially or with slight burial in a mixture of turf soil, leaf mold, and sand, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of crops must be avoided.

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The optimal place for the plant is eastern and western windows, but on a north-facing windowsill it will also feel quite good. The leaves of the shrub should be protected from direct sunlight; shading does not affect the attractiveness of the foliage.

At the budding and flowering stage, any reduction in light is reflected in the process of setting and developing flower buds. It is better to rotate the crown regularly relative to the light source. Variegated forms are more sensitive to the stability and intensity of lighting.

It prefers to grow and develop in coolness. It tolerates heat and air temperature fluctuations poorly. In living rooms it feels quite good, but only if the temperature does not exceed 23 °C (73 °F). Optimal temperatures are from 18 °C to 21 °C (64-70 °F).

The plant reaches maximum decorativeness only if a cool winter rest is provided. For the winter period, it is best to move it to rooms with a temperature of 10 °C to a maximum of 13 °C (50-55 °F). Deviation from the recommended parameters leads to slower growth. A drop in temperature below 10 °C (50 °F) is detrimental to the root system, but the aerial part can withstand even light frosts.

It requires moderate, restrained watering. It does not tolerate water stagnation, waterlogging of the soil, or overly heavy watering. In summer under normal temperatures, it is watered frequently but without excess, and during the winter dormant period, watering is substantially reduced. At high temperatures, misting is carried out. It is very sensitive to stagnation and lack of fresh air. Rooms must be ventilated regularly, protecting the plant itself from cold drafts.

It needs supplementary fertilization with complete fertilizers for flowering houseplants throughout the entire year. During the dormant period, rare feedings maintain high decorativeness of the crown year-round. During the active growth period, fertilizer is applied once every 2 weeks. In autumn and winter, feedings are carried out once a month.

The plant tolerates virtually any pruning very well, which expands the possibilities of its use in interiors of various styles.

Pittosporum does not like peat, and its content in the substrate should be minimal. A universal potting soil is quite suitable for the plant. The optimal soil reaction is pH from 5.5 to 6.0. If you mix the substrate yourself, it is best to use a mixture of sand, humus, turf soil, leaf soil, and peat in a ratio of 1:1:4:2:0.5, or a mixture of equal parts sand, turf soil, and leaf mold.

Repotting is done regularly. Up to four years of age - annually, in early spring; after 4 years - every two years, replacing the top layer of substrate in containers in the year when repotting is not carried out. Only one method of repotting is permissible - potting up with complete preservation of the root ball. Contact with the roots can lead to the plant's death. A high drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the new container. After repotting, the plant should be placed in mild, controlled conditions with high air humidity.