Pittosporum coriaceum Plant Care

Pittosporum coriaceum [Dryand.]

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Pittosporum coriaceum is a species of plant in the Pittosporaceae family. It is endemic to Macaronesia, and due to extinction in the Canary Islands, it is now restricted to the Portuguese Madeira Islands.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Pittosporum coriaceum?

Plant Pittosporum coriaceum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pittosporum coriaceum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Pittosporum coriaceum?

Pittosporum coriaceum (Pittosporum coriaceum) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Pittosporum genus. Pittosporum coriaceum is native to Macaronesia, and due to extinction in the Canary Islands.

Pittosporum coriaceum displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Pittosporum coriaceum produces small, fragrant, creamy white blooms in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Water a young or newly planted Pittosporum coriaceum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Pittosporum coriaceum Need?

Pittosporum coriaceum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pittosporum coriaceum Prefer?

Pittosporum coriaceum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Pittosporum coriaceum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pittosporum coriaceum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Feed Pittosporum coriaceum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pittosporum coriaceum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Pittosporum coriaceum can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Prune Pittosporum coriaceum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Pittosporum coriaceum in Winter?

Pittosporum coriaceum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Pittosporum coriaceum?

Pittosporum coriaceum can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pittosporum cornifolium plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pittosporum coriaceum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pittosporum coriaceum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pittosporum coriaceum?

Pittosporum coriaceum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pittosporum coriaceum Need?

Pittosporum coriaceum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pittosporum coriaceum is native to Macaronesia, and due to extinction in the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Pittosporum coriaceum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Pittosporum coriaceum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Pittosporum genus — compare its care with other Pittosporum species on PlantoScan.

Pittosporum is part of the Pittosporaceae plant family — browse all Pittosporaceae genera and species.

Pittosporum coriaceum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Pittosporum Species

Other Pittosporum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Pittosporum coriaceum [Dryand.], family Pittosporaceae (first published in Hort. Kew. 3: 488 (1789)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pittosporum coriaceum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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