Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’

Origin and cultivated history of Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’

‘Kiwi’ originated in Papua New Guinea and has also been sold under names including ‘Carbine’, ‘Tricolour’, ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘Kiwi Pride’. Some ‘Kiwi’ plants produced through tissue culture have shown small differences in colour and pattern. The species itself is native to Papuasia and the western Pacific and has a long history of cultivation throughout Oceania.

Growing Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’ indoors

• Light and colour: Give ‘Kiwi’ plenty of bright, filtered light. Some direct sun is suitable once the plant has adjusted, while strong sun can scorch the pink and lime areas.
• Water: Water before the fine roots dry completely. Let the surface dry lightly, then soak the pot while the mix beneath still holds some moisture.
• Humidity: ‘Kiwi’ usually does well with moderate humidity. In dry rooms, a little more humidity can help the pink-edged leaves unfold without sticking. Dense shoots still need good airflow.
• Temperature: Keep it warm, preferably above 15°C, and away from cold draughts or chilled glass.
• Water quality: Lower-fluoride water is useful for this fluoride-sensitive species. Fluoride can also come from perlite and superphosphate fertiliser.
• Potting mix: Use a slightly acidic mix that stays lightly moist and airy. Bark or coconut fibre with pumice works well.
• Feeding: A light complete feed is enough while new leaves are appearing. As growth slows, lengthen the watering interval and reduce fertiliser.
• Structure and repotting: The upright canes naturally carry the leafy heads. Move to a slightly larger pot when the roots fill the container or watering becomes much more frequent, keeping the canes at the same planting depth.
• Propagation: Stem-tip cuttings, cane pieces and rooted shoots can all be used to propagate ‘Kiwi’. Seed-grown plants can vary in colour and pattern.

Common problems with Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’

• New leaves lose much of the pink and lime pattern: The plant may need more light. Increase filtered daylight gradually and compare several new leaves, since the cultivar also varies naturally.
• Pink margins develop dry brown tips: Uneven watering, salts or fluoride can all mark the coloured edge. Keep watering steady, rinse the pot thoroughly and use lower-fluoride water if the same injury appears on new leaves.
• New leaves open twisted with silvery scars: Thrips can feed before the leaves unfold. Separate the plant if you find them and choose a product labelled for thrips on ornamental plants, following the repeat directions on the label.
• Several leaves curl or drop after a cold spell or move: A sudden change in temperature or moisture can trigger this. Restore steady warmth and water again when the surface is lightly dry and the mix underneath still holds some moisture.
• A cane or young leaf base becomes wet and slimy: Bacterial rot may be present. Isolate the plant. If soft wet decay is moving through the cane, discard the plant and disinfect tools before using them elsewhere.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• It contains saponins that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
• Chewing may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, reduced appetite or weakness. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

The meaning and history of Cordyline fruticosa

Cordyline comes from Greek kordyle, meaning club, referring to its thickened underground stems. Fruticosa means shrubby and describes its woody growth.

Robert Brown established the genus Cordyline in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 280; Philibert Commerson had proposed the name.

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Convallaria fruticosa in 1754 in Herbarium Amboinense, page 16. Auguste Jean Baptiste Chevalier later placed it in Cordyline as Cordyline fruticosa in 1919 in Catalogue des Plantes du Jardin Botanique de Saïgon, page 66.