Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Aeonium kiwi is a species of flowering succulent in the Crassulaceae family. It gets its name from the resemblance to New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwifruit (or “kiwi”). The plant produces a rosette about 16 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Its fleshy leaves are olive-green in color with a purple margin.
Aeonium kiwi can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and should be watered sparingly to prevent rot issues, which this plant is prone to. It prefers full sun or bright shade outdoors but does well indoors near a sunny window. This succulent will produce small white flowers from time to time.
The plant is considered a hardy perennial that can last for decades with only occasional watering in the winter while outdoors and then being brought inside during cold weather. It also does well as an indoor houseplant, where it should be watered sparingly but will do much better with more frequent irrigation when growing near a sunny window.
Origin and description of Aeonium Kiwi
Aeoniums are native to Africa and other parts of Eurasia but have long since become popular in gardens all over the world for their attractive foliage which may take on a variety of colors depending on where they’re grown. The rosette can be up to 16 inches wide and 18 inches tall, with fleshy leaves that can range in color from olive-green to blue-gray.
An aeonium is one of the most common succulents found in gardens and landscapes around the world, primarily grown for its attractive leaves that range from gray-green to blue-gray with white flecks or spots on them, giving it an almost speckled appearance at times. They are also known as kiwi plants because of their resemblance to New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwi fruit.
How to propagate Aeonium kiwi
Aeonium kiwi can be propagated by separating off a leaf or two and planting them in soil. After about six weeks, the rosette should have developed roots that are able to create its own food supply from sunlight so it will need water on occasion but not as often as other succulents.
It is also possible to propagate aeonium kiwi by taking cuttings from the large rosette, planting them in soil, and waiting for six weeks before watering.
Aeoniums are very easy to grow indoors as well as outdoors, which is why they’re often grown commercially in California where their popularity has helped spread their use all over the world.
General care information
Light requirements
The Aeonium kiwi requires very little light. You can place it in the shade on a windowsill or in a dark corner of your home with no issues. If you do not have much natural light, consider purchasing low-wattage bulbs or using grow lights to supplement its needs. Though they are usually kept at least 12 inches away from their plant, if you are placing the Aeonium kiwi in a darker area of your home, feel free to place the light closer.
If this is not an option for you, try to move it into a brighter location as soon as possible because these plants require more sunlight than other succulents and ivies. If they do not have enough light, they will become stressed and may not be able to thrive.
If the plant is under too much direct sunlight for an extended period of time, it may turn yellow or brown as a result. To avoid this from happening, keep your Aeonium kiwi in a shaded area when possible. This way, it will not turn too hot and can maintain its green color.
Soil/potting mix
The soil that you use for your Aeonium kiwi is very important. Succulents are not of the same variety as other plants and can become easily dehydrated, so it is necessary to provide them with a proper potting mix.
A good base potting mix will consist of two parts gravel or sand mixed with one part compost. You should also include a thin layer of perlite, which will help to provide the succulent with enough moisture in order to thrive and grow properly.
Aeonium kiwi can be put into any sort of potting mix as long as it has been well-watered beforehand. Make sure that your soil is moist before you put the plant in.
Watering
The Aeonium kiwi requires a great deal of water in order to thrive and grow. In fact, it will need more frequent watering than other succulent plants.
You should water your plant at least once every two weeks with plain tap or bottled water that you have allowed to sit for 24 hours before use so as to remove any chlorine. You can water it more often if the soil starts to feel dry and you see that the plant is wilting or drooping a little bit, but make sure not to overwater your Aeonium kiwi because this will cause root rot.
The best way to tell if your succulent needs water is simple: If there are dry patches on the surface of your soil, it is time to water.
Fertilizer
Aeonium kiwi does not require a lot of fertilizer, but if you would like to feed it then use a liquid plant food with an NPK ratio between 25-30.
If your soil is feeling dry and the roots are brown or yellow in color, try using some fertilizing potting mix that has been well watered beforehand.
Temperature
The Aeonium kiwi is a succulent plant that can withstand cold weather. If the temperature starts to dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be best to bring your plants indoors or at least place them in an area with less exposure to colder temperatures for too long of a period of time.
If you are not able to take your plant inside for the duration of the cold, try to protect it with a tarp or sheet. You can also wrap burlap around your succulent and place it in an area that is warmer than where you are keeping the rest of your plants.
If none of these options work for you, then there may be one other option that will work. You can go to a greenhouse and purchase an inexpensive heat cable that you will attach to the bottom of your Aeonium kiwi plant’s pot so it is easier for them to maintain their temperature.
In order for this option to work, make sure there are no other plants in proximity; otherwise, they may be burned by the high-temperature heat.
Humidity
The Aeonium kiwi is a plant that does not need much humidity. It can handle dry and arid environments, which makes it perfect for use in hot climates.
If you are living in an area where there is high humidity or the air has many dew points, your succulent may suffer from root rot because it will not be able to dry out.
If you are living in an area where there is high humidity or the air has many dew points, it will need to be watered every day if possible and fertilized with high-humidity plant food that contains phosphorous because this nutrient helps plants maintain their leaves during periods of extended rain.
Repotting
Aeonium kiwi should be repotted when it is not getting enough light. It will need to be replanted in a pot with more depth and width so that the leaves can receive all of the sunlight they need. If you are planting your Aeonium kiwi succulent in this type of soil, make sure there are no rocks in the pot because this will prevent it from getting enough water.
The plant can be put into any sort of potting mix as long as it has been well-watered beforehand. Make sure that your soil is moist before you put the plant in. The succulent requires a great deal of water, so make sure that you water it using a hose or watering can with your hands.
The Aeonium kiwi must have a fresh potting mix in the soil every three to five years because the old, rotting material will not provide enough nutrients for it anymore.
It is best to keep this plant in an area where there are few other plants and where it will receive plenty of light.
Pruning
The Aeonium kiwi does not require a lot of pruning, but if you would like to work on some shaping then remove any dead or dying leaves and use sharp shears.
This plant has a few dead stems on the edges that should be cut off in order for it to continue growing properly. This will also help with the shaping process.
Hardiness zone
The Aeonium kiwi is hardy to zone 10.
Toxicity
Aeonium kiwi is not toxic to humans, however, the sap may irritate skin. It’s worth noting that some people are allergic or sensitive to plants in this genus and can have a reaction while handling them. If you’re one of these people, please avoid contact with the plant.
To avoid contact with the sap, wear gloves and wash your hands after handling this plant.
This genus includes a number of plants that are toxic to humans including Aeonium arboreum (tree eared), Aeonium haworthii subsp. sorediatum, and Aeonium smithii (little brother).
Pests and diseases
Some pests that occasionally attack this genus are the mealybug, whitefly, spider mites, aphids and caterpillars. Also, note there’s a type of fungus called powdery mildew which can sometimes affect these plants in humid conditions. However, it usually won’t cause any significant damage.
