Kaka Beak Plant Care
Clianthus puniceus (G.Don) Sol. ex Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clianthus puniceus, common name kaka beak, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clianthus of the legume family Fabaceae, native to New Zealand's North Island.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kaka Beak?
Water Kaka Beak every 7–14 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 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kaka Beak Native To?
What Is the Kaka Beak?
Kaka Beak (Clianthus puniceus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Clianthus genus. Kaka Beak is native to New Zealand's North Island. Kaka Beak is also known as Parrot's Beak, Lobelia.
Kaka Beak displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kaka Beak produces distinctive red or white pea-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kaka Beak?
Clianthus puniceus requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kaka Beak Need?
Kaka Beak thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kaka Beak Prefer?
Clianthus puniceus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Kaka Beak prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kaka Beak?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kaka Beak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kaka Beak?
Feed Kaka Beak 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 Kaka Beak?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Kaka Beak?
Kaka Beak can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to glory pea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kaka Beak Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kaka Beak, 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 Kaka Beak?
Kaka Beak is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, 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 Kaka Beak Need?
Kaka Beak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kaka Beak is native to New Zealand's North Island. In cooler regions, grow Kaka Beak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Kaka Beak 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 Clianthus genus — compare its care with other Clianthus species on PlantoScan.
Clianthus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Kaka Beak 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: Clianthus puniceus (G.Don) Sol. ex Lindl., family Fabaceae (first published in Trans. Hort. Soc. London , ser. 2, 1: 521 (1834 publ. 1835)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kaka Beak, 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 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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