Kiwi Plant Care
Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (A.Chev.) A.Chev.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, heart-shaped leaves with silver undersides make it a standout in any collection. Originating from China, its delicious, fuzzy brown fruit is a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking to add a unique touch to their garden.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Kiwi?
Water Kiwi every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kiwi Native To?
What Is the Kiwi?
Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa) belongs to the Actinidiaceae family within the Actinidia genus. Kiwi is native to central Southern China, growing naturally at altitudes between 800 and 1,400 metres. Kiwi is also known as Chinese Gooseberry, Kiwi Berry.
Kiwi displays a vigorous climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Kiwi produces small, fragrant white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kiwi?
Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kiwi Need?
Kiwi thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kiwi Prefer?
Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Kiwi prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kiwi?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Kiwi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kiwi?
Feed Kiwi every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Kiwi?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Kiwi?
Kiwi can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hardy kiwi plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kiwi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kiwi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kiwi?
Kiwi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kiwi Need?
Kiwi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Kiwi is native to central Southern China, growing naturally at altitudes between 800 and 1,400 metres.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Kiwi is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Actinidia genus — compare its care with other Actinidia species on PlantoScan.
Actinidia is part of the Actinidiaceae plant family — browse all Actinidiaceae genera and species.
Kiwi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Actinidia Species
Other Actinidia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (A.Chev.) A.Chev., family Actinidiaceae (first published in Rev. Bot. Appl. Agric. Trop. 21: 241 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kiwi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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