Variegated Pittosporum Bonsai

An underused subject that deserves more attention. Our pittosporum is the variegated form — glossy green leaves edged in cream, held in whorled clusters that naturally form foliage pads. Pale bark that reads as age early, and a tolerance for coastal conditions that suits it to Southern California benches.

Care at a glance: Lives outdoors year-round here. Full sun to partial shade; the variegation holds best with some protection from harsh afternoon sun. Moderate water — let the surface dry between waterings. Responds well to clip-and-grow, and handles salt air and wind better than most.

Choose your stage:

• Starter — untrained, in a nursery can. Your blank canvas: you choose the front, the style, and the first cut. The most forgiving option to keep alive.
• Wired — shaping wire already on the trunk and main branches with the movement set. Carry on the work from here.
• Potted — planted in a bonsai pot in free-draining bonsai soil, ready to display. Shallow pots dry fast, so plan on daily water in summer.

No two are alike, so the tree you take home will differ slightly from the photo. Available for local pickup at our shop.