16 responses

1. Hi Andre

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   It sounds like your tree may have a nutrient deficiency. Try feeding the soil with an organic fertiliser and add a generous layer of compost around the root zone.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. My Cheesewood boom se blare is nie meer donker groen nie en ook yl.
   Die boom lyk nie goed
   Help asb.
   Dankie
   Andre

3. Hi Karen

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Pittosporum viridiflorum does not usually have an aggressive root system but is best planted no less than 5m from any structure.

   The choice of tree will depend on the space available but here are some smaller-growing evergreen trees that may work for your purpose:
   – Duvernoia aconitiflora (Lemon pistol bush)
   – Galpinia transvaalica (Wild pride of India)
   – Pavetta lanceolata (Weeping bride’s bush)
   – Trichocladus ellipticus (White witchhazel)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. Hi
   I was made to believe that the cheesewood didn’t have an aggressive root system?

   Which other tree can I plant that will give shade to my clivias, is planted near a boundary wall, evergreen and frost hardy?
   Thank you
   Karen

5. Hi Sonja

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   As Pittosporum viridiflorum is evergreen forest species with a dense foliage, you may find that kikuyu lawn battles to grow underneath it. As the tree becomes larger you may need to replace the lawn with shade-loving plant species.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

6. Good morning,

   Does kikuyu grass grow underneath Pittosporum viridiflorum?

   Kind regards
   Sonja

7. Hi Audrey

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   I’m not sure when you planted your tree or the size, but I’m guessing that it possibly needs a little more time to adjust to its new home and the conditions. Trees usually take a season or two to show signs of growth when planted out as the main growth is underground where the roots a getting established.

   If the tree is not showing any sign of stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves, then you’ve nothing to worry about.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. Hi Glenice, I have a young Pittosporum (indigenous one, cheesewood) that is really struggling to take off. We are in very sandy infertile soil but I did plant it with compost & a bit of potting soil…
   It’s holding on but just, can you suggest anything.
   Thanks,
   Audrey

9. Hi Bernadette

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Depending on the space available, you could consider one of the following:
   – Tarchonanthus littoralis (Coastal camphor bush)
   – Brachylaena discolor (Coastal silver oak)
   – Apodytes dimidiata (White pear)
   – Buddleja saligna (False olive)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

10. Can you recommend an evergreen, non aggressive or shallow root system tree or shrub to serve as privacy between the wall of mine and neighbour’s property. I live in a dry coastal area..

11. Hi Lisa

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    You’re very lucky to have Cape dwarf cameleons. I’d recommend doing nothing to your tree as it may be serving as a host plant to an insect, hence the curled leaves. We’ve seen Nuxia floribunda with a similar condition but it doesn’t seem to affect the growth.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

12. Hello Plantbook
    My pittisporum viridiflorum has curled/damaged leaves (very similar to what happens with nuxia floribunda). What is causing it, should I be worried and how do I treat it? I would need a natural remedy that would not harm my Cape dwarf chameleons.

    Thank you
    Lisa

13. Hi Maureen

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Pittosporum viridiflorum is a lovely tree and should be planted at least 4m from any structure to avoid later damage. Should you go ahead with this tree, there are several indigenous groundcovers you can consider planting around it:-
    – Agapanthus sp.
    – Crassula multicava (Fairy crassula)
    – Chlorophytum saundersiae (Weeping anthericum)
    – Chlorophytum comosum (Hen-and-chickens)

    Flourish!
    Glenice

14. hI

    Please tell me how and with what to plant a Cheesewood tree . I live in a retirement village and have space for a tree. Thank you.

    Maureen

15. Hi Denis

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    To get your desired effect, you could plant Pittosporum viridiflorum 4m apart and allow a space of no less than 3m from your boundary wall.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

16. Good day plantbook.

    I would like to know how far you should plant these apart if you want complete screaning 5 to 7m high, and how close can you plant it to a boundry wall?

    Thanks so much
    Denis