Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ is a vibrant plant, recognized for its striking foliage featuring green leaves edged with cream and bright pink. Its colorful appearance makes it a popular choice for indoor settings. This guide provides information on cultivating this distinctive houseplant, ensuring its healthy growth.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid coloration. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown spots or faded variegation. Insufficient light can diminish pink hues, leading to a less vibrant, greener appearance.
Watering
Watering is crucial for Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ health. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings. When watering, saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering can cause root rot, while consistent underwatering may lead to drooping leaves and brown tips.
Soil and Potting
Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ needs a well-draining soil mix. A suitable blend includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The pot must also have drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ prefers consistent temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Maintaining moderate to high humidity, around 50% to 60%, helps prevent leaf tip browning. Increase ambient moisture by placing the plant near a humidifier or on a pebble tray.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through early fall), fertilize Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ regularly. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce or stop fertilization during late fall and winter to allow the plant to rest. Excessive fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, damaging roots.
Ongoing Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ maintains its shape and encourages bushier growth. Promptly remove dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves to redirect energy towards healthy new growth. Use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a leaf node or where a new branch is desired. Pruning also helps manage the plant’s size if it becomes too tall.
Repotting
Repotting is needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing from drainage holes. Choose a pot only one to two inches larger in diameter. This provides adequate space for root expansion without retaining excess moisture. Carefully remove the plant, gently loosen the root ball, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaf Discoloration
Browning leaf tips on Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity and establish a regular watering schedule. Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, suggest overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Allow soil to dry more between waterings and ensure proper drainage.
Loss of pink variegation indicates insufficient bright, indirect light. Move the plant to a brighter location, away from direct sun, to restore vibrant colors.
Pests and Diseases
Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites appear as fine webbing on leaf undersides, while mealybugs are small, white, cottony masses. Regularly inspect the plant for early detection. Treatment involves wiping affected areas with a damp cloth or applying insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases are less common but can occur from consistent overwatering, leading to root rot.
Multiplying Your Cordyline Kiwi
Propagating Cordyline ‘Kiwi’ is done using stem cuttings. The ideal time is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem section four to six inches long with several leaves. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, removing any lower leaves that would be submerged.
Root the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, change the water every few days. If planting in soil, keep the mix consistently moist until roots develop.