Actinidia chinensis aka Kiwi
Taxonomy
Actinidia chinensis, known commercially as the golden kiwifruit, is a deciduous, perennial fruiting vine native to southwestern China. It is closely related to Actinidia deliciosa, which is the source of the most common commercial kiwifruit, and is dioecious, meaning both male and female plants must be grown in order for pollination to occur. It has stout shoots covered in red-brown hairs, and can produce clusters of two to three creamy white flowers in early summer, followed by ovoid-oblong, bristly-skinned, greenish brown fruit. Kiwi Fruit is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive, and should be kept less than 1 foot from a window in light direct light and well-draining soil. Supplementing with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season is recommended.
Common names
Kiwi, Golden Kiwifruit, Gold KiwifruitHow to care for Kiwi
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Kiwi is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Kiwi should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Kiwi loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Kiwi prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Kiwi plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Region of origin
Kiwi’s native range is E. Asia - China.
More info:
Wikipedia
