Aeonium 'Kiwi'

The Aeonium 'Kiwi' is a stunning succulent cultivar in the Crassulaceae family, originating from the Canary Islands where wild Aeonium species thrive on rocky cliffs and volcanic slopes. This particular variety stands out with its rosette-forming habit and striking tri-colour foliage that intensifies in bright light. It's a beginner-friendly plant that rewards minimal care with maximum visual impact. 🌿 Fun fact: the name 'Kiwi' comes from its resemblance to the colour palette of a sliced kiwi fruit—green centres with creamy yellow edges blushed in pink.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This compact succulent grows in tight rosettes that cluster together as the plant matures. The spoon-shaped leaves are thick and fleshy, displaying a beautiful gradient of lime green in the centre transitioning to creamy yellow, with vibrant pink to red edges that become more pronounced in cooler temperatures or bright light. The foliage has a smooth, waxy texture that helps the plant retain moisture.
FLOWER DETAILS
Aeonium 'Kiwi' produces small yellow star-shaped flowers on tall stalks that emerge from the centre of mature rosettes, typically in late winter to early spring. The blooms have a subtle, sweet fragrance and create an attractive contrast against the colourful foliage. After flowering, that particular rosette will die back, but offsets will continue growing. To encourage flowering, provide bright light and allow the plant to experience cooler winter temperatures around 10-15°C. The architectural quality of the flower stalks adds vertical interest even before the blooms fully open.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light to full sun for 4-6 hours daily. More sun intensifies leaf colours
💧 Water: Water deeply when soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Use soak and dry method
🌡️ Humidity: 30-50% average home humidity is perfect
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
🏺 Potting: Terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes, 1-2 inches larger than root ball, repot every 2-3 years
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate, adding 2-3 inches in 6 months, 4-6 inches yearly, reaching 12 inches tall and wide at maturity
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Monthly during spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength
🐾 Pet friendly: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, may cause vomiting or digestive upset
WHERE TO PUT IT
Aeonium 'Kiwi' thrives on sunny windowsills, bright shelves, or outdoor patios during warm months. It's perfect for south or west-facing windows, desks with good light, or as part of a succulent arrangement. This plant does well in living rooms, home offices, or sunrooms where it can get plenty of brightness. Avoid placing it in low-light bathrooms, dark corners, or rooms without windows, as insufficient light will cause the colours to fade and the plant to stretch.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
common