The Dracaena Kiwi, a popular and vibrant houseplant, is known for its striking appearance and relatively straightforward care requirements. This plant adds a distinct touch of color and tropical flair to various indoor spaces. Its resilience and adaptability make it a suitable choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Identifying Dracaena Kiwi
The Dracaena Kiwi, also known as Dracaena Marginata ‘Kiwi’ or Kiwi Dragon Tree, is characterized by its colorful foliage. Its slender, sword-like leaves display a vibrant variegation of green, yellow, and often a subtle pink or red margin. These leaves emerge from a woody stem, contributing to its upright, spreading growth habit. These hues create a distinctive visual appeal, distinguishing it from other Dracaena varieties.
Dracaena Kiwi Care
Light
Dracaena Kiwi plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or several feet away from a west-facing window is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, leading to damage. While it can tolerate some lower light conditions, consistent bright indirect light helps maintain its vibrant leaf coloration and promotes healthy growth.
Watering
Overwatering can lead to root rot for Dracaena Kiwi. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant requires more frequent watering than in the fall and winter months. Using room temperature water and ensuring good drainage in the pot prevents issues.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for Dracaena Kiwi to prevent waterlogging. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and sand or vermiculite provides aeration and drainage. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal nutrient absorption. Avoiding heavy clay soils that retain excessive moisture is recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
Dracaena Kiwi thrives in warm, stable indoor temperatures, ranging between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the plant. While average indoor humidity is sufficient, providing slightly higher humidity can be beneficial. Achieve this by misting the leaves occasionally, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season in spring and summer, Dracaena Kiwi benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength applied every four to six weeks is sufficient. Fertilizing should be reduced or stopped during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, potentially harming the plant.
Pruning and Repotting
Pruning Dracaena Kiwi helps maintain its shape and encourages denser growth. Any yellowing, brown, or damaged leaves can be removed using clean, sharp tools. While pruning can be done as needed, major shaping or size control can be performed in winter. Repotting is needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger and has adequate drainage holes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Brown leaf tips are a common issue for Dracaena Kiwi, often caused by underwatering, low humidity, or sensitivity to chemicals in tap water like chlorine or fluoride. To address this, ensure consistent watering, increase humidity, and consider using filtered or distilled water. Yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, can indicate either overwatering or underwatering. Checking the soil moisture before watering helps determine the correct approach.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale affect Dracaena Kiwi. Regularly inspecting the plant and wiping leaves helps detect infestations early. If pests are present, they are managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Some yellowing or browning of older, lower leaves is a natural part of the plant’s aging process.
Propagating Dracaena Kiwi
Propagating Dracaena Kiwi is commonly done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut a section that includes at least one leaf node. The top four to six inches of a cane with leaves can be rooted, or longer canes cut into three to four-inch pieces. These cuttings are placed in water until roots develop, typically within a few weeks, or directly into a well-draining soil mix. Once rooted, the new plants are potted individually to grow.
Is Dracaena Kiwi Toxic?
Dracaena Kiwi is toxic if ingested by pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, depression, hypersalivation, and dilated pupils in cats. Keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.