Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Kiwahoe Plant Care
Helicodiceros muscivorus (L.f.) Engl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its large, maroon-colored, fleshy flower that resembles a rotting piece of meat. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Helicodiceros muscivorus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and foul-smelling bloom that attracts pollinators like flies and beetles.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kiwahoe?
Water Kiwahoe every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Kiwahoe?
Kiwahoe (Helicodiceros muscivorus) belongs to the Araceae family within the Helicodiceros genus. Kiwahoe is native to Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. Kiwahoe is also known as Flycatcher, Kiwahoe Orchid.
Kiwahoe displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Kiwahoe produces unique maroon to brown spadix surrounded by a green spathe.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kiwahoe?
Helicodiceros muscivorus requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kiwahoe Need?
Kiwahoe thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Kiwahoe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kiwahoe Prefer?
Helicodiceros muscivorus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kiwahoe prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kiwahoe?
Well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Kiwahoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kiwahoe?
Feed Kiwahoe 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 Kiwahoe?
Repot every 1-2 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 Kiwahoe?
Kiwahoe can be propagated through offsets, division of tubers.
Is the Kiwahoe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
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 Kiwahoe?
Kiwahoe is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Kiwahoe Need?
Kiwahoe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Kiwahoe is native to Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. In cooler regions, grow Kiwahoe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Kiwahoe 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 Helicodiceros genus — compare its care with other Helicodiceros species on PlantoScan.
Helicodiceros is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Kiwahoe 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: Helicodiceros muscivorus (L.f.) Engl., family Araceae (first published in Monogr. Phan. 2: 605 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Kiwahoe is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a – 10b, 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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