Pittosporum cornifolium Plant Care

Pittosporum cornifolium (Pittosporum cornifolium) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Pittosporum genus. Pittosporum cornifolium is native to the North Island and the Marlborough Sounds of the South Island, New Zealand.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pittosporum cornifolium 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.

Pittosporum cornifolium thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Pittosporum cornifolium 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.

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

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 cornifolium is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Pittosporum cornifolium 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.

Prune Pittosporum cornifolium 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.

Pittosporum cornifolium is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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Pittosporum cornifolium 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.

Pittosporum cornifolium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Pittosporum cornifolium is native to the North Island and the Marlborough Sounds of the South Island, New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Pittosporum cornifolium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.