Grape-leaf Kiwi Plant Care
Actinidia vitifolia C.Y.Wu
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its striking silver-green foliage that resembles grape leaves. Originating from China, Actinidia vitifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance in the garden. Its lush vines and intricate leaves make it a standout addition to any plant collection.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Water Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi Native To?
What Is the Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Grape-leaf Kiwi (Actinidia vitifolia) belongs to the Actinidiaceae family within the Actinidia genus. Grape-leaf Kiwi is native to China. Grape-leaf Kiwi is also known as Red-Margined Kiwi, Vine-like Kiwi.
Grape-leaf Kiwi displays a vigorous climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Grape-leaf Kiwi produces small, fragrant white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Actinidia vitifolia 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi Need?
Grape-leaf Kiwi thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grape-leaf Kiwi Prefer?
Actinidia vitifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Grape-leaf Kiwi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Feed Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Grape-leaf Kiwi can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds.
Is the Grape-leaf Kiwi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi?
Grape-leaf 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 Grape-leaf Kiwi Need?
Grape-leaf Kiwi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Grape-leaf Kiwi is native to China.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Grape-leaf 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.
Grape-leaf Kiwi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Actinidia vitifolia C.Y.Wu, family Actinidiaceae (first published in Fl. Yunnanica 1: 59 (1977)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Grape-leaf 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 8a – 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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