The Dracaena ‘Kiwi’, also known as Dracaena marginata ‘Kiwi’, is a popular indoor plant. Its slender, arching leaves display vibrant bands of green, golden yellow, and often hints of pink, creating a striking visual appeal. This plant is a favored choice for enhancing indoor spaces due to its colorful appearance and relatively easy care, making it suitable for many plant enthusiasts.
Caring for Your Dracaena Kiwi
Light Needs
Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or several feet from a west-facing window is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light causes the plant to lose its vibrant variegation and results in leggy growth.
Watering
Water the Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ thoroughly, allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering is a common issue that causes root rot, while underwatering leads to crispy, dry leaves. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
The Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ prefers a well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic potting mix. Amend a standard indoor potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage and aeration. This prevents water from sitting stagnant around the roots, promoting root health.
Temperature and Humidity
Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ prefers stable indoor temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C – 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While average indoor humidity is often sufficient, higher humidity is beneficial. Increase humidity by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or misting occasionally.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ every four to six weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows, to prevent harmful salt accumulation.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips on Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ are often a sign of environmental stress. This can result from low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or inconsistent watering. Using filtered or distilled water can help mitigate water quality issues.
Yellowing Leaves and Variegation Loss
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, a nutrient deficiency, or simply the natural aging process of lower leaves, which is a normal part of the plant’s growth cycle. Loss of variegation, where the colorful stripes fade, indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect location to restore its vibrant colors.
Pests
Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs, identified by small dots or cottony masses on the leaves. Treat affected plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagation
Propagate Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ using stem cuttings. Place a healthy cutting with at least one leaf node in water or a well-draining soil mix. Roots typically develop within weeks in a warm environment with indirect light. For water propagation, change the water every few days.
Repotting
Repot every two to three years, or when the plant is root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or the plant appearing top-heavy. Select a new container one to two inches larger with good drainage. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix for renewed nutrients and root space.
Safety for Pets and People
Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ contains saponins, which are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, depression, and weakness. Cats may also show dilated pupils. While generally non-toxic to humans, ingestion by children can cause mild irritation. Keep Dracaena ‘Kiwi’ plants out of reach of pets and small children.