Kawakawa Plant Care

Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) belongs to the Piperaceae family within the Piper genus. Kawakawa is native to New Zealand. Kawakawa is also known as Macropiper excelsum.

Kawakawa displays a bushy, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Kawakawa produces tiny, white spikes surrounded by green bracts.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kawakawa every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kawakawa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kawakawa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Piper excelsum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Kawakawa prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Kawakawa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kawakawa every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kawakawa is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kawakawa can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Kawakawa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Kawakawa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kawakawa can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Kawakawa is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

Kawakawa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Kawakawa is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Kawakawa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.