Grow Light for Pittosporum: Growing Pittosporum in Pots Indoors
A grow light for pittosporum helps a potted shrub through winter indoors. NC State Extension notes that where Pittosporum tobira is not winter hardy, it can grow in containers plus overwinter inside, plus it can be grown as a houseplant in well lit areas.
The short answer
NC State lists full sun to heavy shade, so pittosporum adapts to many light levels. Indoors, give it a well lit spot plus a grow light set 6 to 12 inches above the tips, as Missouri Extension advises. Run the light 12 to 16 hours a day. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16.
What is Japanese pittosporum?
NC State Extension describes Pittosporum tobira as a dense evergreen shrub up to 13 feet tall. It grows in zones 8 to 10 plus tolerates drought, heat plus salt spray. Fragrant blooms with an orange blossom scent open white in late spring plus turn yellow. ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ is a compact form.
How much light does pittosporum need indoors?
NC State lists full sun to heavy shade plus advises well lit areas of the home. Vermont Extension advises plants that grew in full sun outdoors go near a sunny south window with supplemental grow lights. Shade grown plants can go near a north window or a sunny east or west window.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Natural light | Full sun to heavy shade | NC State |
| From full sun outdoors | South window plus grow light | Vermont |
| Light distance | Tips 6 to 12 inches below | Missouri |
| Hours with window light | 12 to 14 a day | Missouri |
| Upper limit | 16 hours a day | Maryland |
Source: NC State Extension, University of Vermont Extension, University of Missouri Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
How do you prune a potted pittosporum?
NC State notes pittosporum withstands severe pruning. It notes next season’s blossoms appear on old growth, so heavy cuts can cost flowers. ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ stays small with less cutting. Maryland notes ample light yields more compact plants.
How to: step by step
- Bring the pot in once nights fall into the 50s, as Vermont advises.
- Hose off the leaves first.
- Isolate it from other plants for a few weeks.
- Place it near a bright window.
- Add a grow light on a timer.
- Prune lightly to spare old growth.
Troubleshooting
Leggy stems: dim light. Lower the light or add hours.
Leaf drop after moving in: Maryland notes plants need time to adjust.
No spring flowers: heavy pruning removed old growth, per NC State.
For more on lights see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers to set hours. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Moving houseplants back indoors for winter, University of Vermont Extension
FAQ
When should pittosporum come indoors?
University of Vermont Extension advises bringing houseplants in as night temperatures drop into the 50s. NC State notes pittosporum can overwinter inside where it is not winter hardy.
Does pittosporum flower in a pot?
NC State Extension notes fragrant blooms appear in late spring on old growth. Avoid heavy pruning to save flowers.
How big does pittosporum get in a pot?
NC State lists the species up to 13 feet. 'Wheeler's Dwarf' is a compact form suited to containers.
When should pittosporum be pruned?
NC State Extension notes next season's blossoms appear on old growth, so prune with that in mind.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri Extension advises 12 to 14 hours a day when some window light is received. Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours.
