Photo: Michael BerardozziCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kiwikiwi Plant Care
Pterostylis banksii R.Br. ex A.Cunn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognized by its striking green and white striped leaves. Originating from Australia, Pterostylis banksii is highly sought after by collectors for its intricate patterns and rare beauty in foliage. Its distinct appearance makes it a standout addition to any plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kiwikiwi?
Water Kiwikiwi every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Kiwikiwi Native To?
What Is the Kiwikiwi?
Kiwikiwi (Pterostylis banksii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Pterostylis genus. Kiwikiwi is native to New Zealand. Kiwikiwi is also known as Banks' Greenhood.
Kiwikiwi displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Kiwikiwi produces unique, intricate orchid-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kiwikiwi?
Pterostylis banksii 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 Kiwikiwi Need?
Kiwikiwi thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kiwikiwi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kiwikiwi Prefer?
Pterostylis banksii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kiwikiwi 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 Kiwikiwi?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Kiwikiwi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kiwikiwi?
Feed Kiwikiwi every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Kiwikiwi?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. 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 Kiwikiwi?
Kiwikiwi can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abrupt greenhood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kiwikiwi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kiwikiwi, 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 Kiwikiwi?
Kiwikiwi 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 Kiwikiwi Need?
Kiwikiwi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Kiwikiwi is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Kiwikiwi 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 Pterostylis genus — compare its care with other Pterostylis species on PlantoScan.
Pterostylis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Kiwikiwi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pterostylis Species
Other Pterostylis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pterostylis banksii R.Br. ex A.Cunn., family Orchidaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 59: t. 3172 (1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kiwikiwi, 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.
- Photo: Michael Berardozzi, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, 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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