Pittosporum longisepalum Plant Care
Pittosporum longisepalum K.Bakker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pittosporum longisepalum is a tree in the family Pittosporaceae. The specific epithet longisepalum means 'long sepal'.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pittosporum longisepalum?
Plant Pittosporum longisepalum 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.
What Is the Pittosporum longisepalum?
Pittosporum longisepalum (Pittosporum longisepalum) belongs to the Pittosporaceae family within the Pittosporum genus.
Pittosporum longisepalum displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Pittosporum longisepalum produces small, fragrant, creamy white blooms in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pittosporum longisepalum?
Water a young or newly planted Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum Need?
Pittosporum longisepalum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pittosporum longisepalum Prefer?
Pittosporum longisepalum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Pittosporum longisepalum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pittosporum longisepalum?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pittosporum longisepalum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pittosporum longisepalum?
Feed Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum?
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 longisepalum 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 longisepalum?
Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum?
Prune Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum in Winter?
Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum?
Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pittosporum longisepalum, 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 longisepalum?
Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum Need?
Pittosporum longisepalum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Pittosporum longisepalum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pittosporum longisepalum 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 longisepalum 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 longisepalum K.Bakker, family Pittosporaceae (first published in Fl. Males. 5: 354 (1957)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pittosporum longisepalum, 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.
