All You need to know about Aeonium kiwi

Aeonium kiwi is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is a hybrid of two Aeonium species, Aeonium decorum and Aeonium undulatum.

The plant is native to the Canary Islands, but is also commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers around the world.

Aeonium kiwi is known for its colorful rosette-shaped leaves, which can range from green and yellow to pink, red, and purple, often with variegated patterns.

How to grow and take care of Aeonium kiwi?

Aeonium kiwi is a beautiful and unique succulent that can add a splash of color to any garden or indoor space. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Aeonium kiwi:

1. Light: Aeonium kiwi requires bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch the leaves.
2. Soil: Aeonium kiwi prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss.
3. Water: Aeonium kiwi is drought-tolerant, but it still needs regular watering. Water the plant when the soil is completely dry to the touch, but don’t let it sit in standing water. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
4. Temperature: Aeonium kiwi prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate colder temperatures, but not frost.
5. Fertilizer: Aeonium kiwi doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
6. Pruning: Aeonium kiwi can become leggy over time, so you may need to prune it back to encourage new growth. You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves.
7. Propagation: Aeonium kiwi can be propagated from stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem with a few leaves and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water it sparingly until it takes root.

Overall, Aeonium kiwi is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care. Just be sure to provide it with plenty of light and well-draining soil, and water it sparingly.

What is the lifespan of Aeonium kiwi?

With proper care, Aeonium kiwi can live for several years, and some specimens have been known to live for up to 10 years or more. Just like with other succulents, the lifespan of Aeonium kiwi, like most succulents, can vary depending on the growing conditions and care it receives.

However, it’s important to note that Aeonium kiwi, like many other succulents, is a monocarpic plant. This means that it will eventually produce a single inflorescence (a tall flower spike) at the end of its life cycle, after which the main rosette will die off. But don’t worry – Aeonium kiwi is a prolific propagator, and it will usually produce several offsets or “pups” before it dies. These pups can be separated and replanted to start new plants. So even though the main rosette may eventually die off, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of Aeonium kiwi by propagating and replanting its offsets.

How to water it?

When it comes to watering Aeonium kiwi, it’s important to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist enough to support growth, and avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Here are some tips on how to water Aeonium kiwi:

1. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture.
2. Water deeply, but infrequently. When you do water, make sure to soak the soil thoroughly, until water starts to drain out the bottom of the pot. Then, let the soil drain completely before putting the pot back in its saucer or decorative container.
3. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot or fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil around the base of the plant.
4. During the winter months, when Aeonium kiwi is dormant, water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
5. If you’re unsure whether to water or not, err on the side of caution and wait a day or two before watering again. Overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering, and it’s better to let the soil dry out a bit than to risk drowning the roots.

Overall, the key to watering Aeonium kiwi is to water deeply and infrequently, and to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This will help to ensure that the plant has enough moisture to thrive, without risking overwatering or root rot.

How to prune it?

Pruning Aeonium kiwi is a simple process that can help to keep the plant looking neat and healthy. Here are some steps to follow when pruning your Aeonium kiwi:

1. Wait until the plant has finished blooming, if it has produced a flower spike. Aeonium kiwi is a monocarpic plant, which means it will die after it blooms. However, it produces offsets or “pups” before it dies, which can be replanted to start new plants.
2. Use a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged leaves. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
3. If the plant has become leggy or top-heavy, you can prune it back to encourage new growth. Cut the stem just above a leaf node, or where you want the plant to branch out.
4. Aeonium kiwi can also be shaped by pruning back the outer leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the center, creating a fuller, more compact plant.
5. If you want to propagate your Aeonium kiwi, you can take stem cuttings from healthy, mature plants. Cut a stem with a few leaves and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water it sparingly until it takes root.

Overall, pruning Aeonium kiwi is a simple process that can help to keep the plant healthy and attractive. Just be sure to use clean, sharp tools, and avoid cutting into the center of the rosette, as this can damage the plant.

How big does the Aeonium kiwi grow?

Aeonium kiwi is a small to medium-sized succulent that typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and a spread of 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm). It forms a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves that are about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) long and 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) wide.

The rosette can grow up to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter, and over time, the plant may produce offsets or “pups” that can be separated and replanted to start new plants. With proper care, Aeonium kiwi can live for several years, and it may continue to grow and produce new offsets over time. However, it’s important to note that Aeonium kiwi, like many other succulents, is a relatively slow-growing plant, and it may take several years to reach its full size.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Aeonium kiwi, like many succulent plants, prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away from the roots. Here are some tips for choosing the best soil for your Aeonium kiwi:

1. Use a commercial succulent or cactus potting mix. These mixes are specifically designed to provide the fast drainage and low moisture levels that succulent plants like Aeonium kiwi require.
2. Alternatively, you can create your own soil mix by combining equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and a well-draining potting soil. This will provide the drainage and aeration that succulent plants need to thrive.
3. Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils or potting mixes that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
4. If you’re planting your Aeonium kiwi in a container, make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom, and use a saucer or tray to catch excess water.
5. When planting your Aeonium kiwi, make sure the soil is firmly packed around the roots to provide support, but avoid compacting it too tightly, as this can impede drainage.

Overall, the best soil for Aeonium kiwi is one that provides good drainage and aeration, while also providing some moisture retention to help support growth. By choosing the right soil mix and planting your Aeonium kiwi in a well-draining container, you can help ensure that your plant has the best possible growing conditions.

Where can I buy it?

Aeonium kiwi can be purchased from various plant nurseries, garden centers, and online stores that specialize in succulent plants. Here are some options for buying Aeonium kiwi:

1. Local plant nurseries and garden centers – Check your local nursery or garden center for Aeonium kiwi plants. These retailers often carry a selection of succulent plants, including Aeonium kiwi.
2. Online plant retailers – There are many online retailers that specialize in succulent plants, including Aeonium kiwi. Some popular online retailers include Etsy, Amazon, and Succulent Market.
3. Specialized succulent nurseries – There are also specialty nurseries that focus specifically on succulent plants. These nurseries often have a wide selection of rare and unusual succulents, including Aeonium kiwi.
4. Plant swaps or online plant communities – Joining plant swap groups or online plant communities can be a great way to connect with other plant enthusiasts and potentially obtain Aeonium kiwi plants or cuttings through trading or purchasing.

No matter where you choose to purchase your Aeonium kiwi, be sure to select a healthy plant or cutting from a reputable source to ensure the best chance of success in growing and caring for your plant.

Summary

• Aeonium kiwi is a small to medium-sized succulent with spoon-shaped leaves that form a rosette.
• It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
• Water Aeonium kiwi deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Prune Aeonium kiwi to remove dead or damaged leaves or to control its size and shape.
• Aeonium kiwi can be grown indoors or outdoors in mild climates.
• The plant typically lives for several years and may produce offsets or “pups” that can be replanted to start new plants.
• A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix or a homemade mix of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil is best for Aeonium kiwi.
• Aeonium kiwi can be purchased from local nurseries, garden centers, online retailers, and specialized succulent nurseries.

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