Iliau Plant Care

Iliau (Wilkesia gymnoxiphium) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Wilkesia genus. Iliau is native to the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. Iliau is also known as Argyroxiphium gymnoxiphium.

Iliau displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Iliau produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow or orange.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Iliau every 7–10 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.

Iliau thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wilkesia gymnoxiphium tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Iliau prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Iliau to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Iliau every 6 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Iliau is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Iliau can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Iliau 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.

Iliau 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.

Iliau can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ili'au plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Iliau is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Iliau grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Iliau is native to the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. In cooler regions, grow Iliau as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.