Why does my Pittosporum keep dying?
Many causes of ‘Pittosporum decline’ have been suggested including drought, root disease caused by Phytophthora or Armillaria pathogens, and/or poor cultural care. Leaf drop in pittosporum isn’t natural for an evergreen plant, so it usually points to stress. The most common causes are: Overwatering: Saturated soil suffocates roots, leading to yellowing and eventual leaf fall. Drought stress: Extended dry spells trigger survival mode — older leaves are shed first.
How long do Pittosporum tobira live?
Lifespan. With proper care, Pittosporum tobira can live for 25-50 years in favorable growing conditions. How to care for Pittosporum tobira: Plant in well-drained soil in a sheltered position with full sun or partial shade. Pittosporum thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil and benefits from protection against cold winds and severe frosts, particularly in colder regions.Pittosporums respond well to pruning, which encourages bushier growth. Trim back the leggy or bare branches to a node (a point where leaves or buds grow). This stimulates the plant to produce new shoots and fill out. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to focus the plant’s energy on healthy growth.Pittosporum do not grow well on wet or heavy soils, including clay soils. In such circumstances, they are likely to die a slow death, and to succumb to the root rot disease, Phytophthora.