Aeonium Kiwi, Aeonium Haworthii – Details, Growing Tips

Common Names

Aeonium Kiwi, Aeonium Decorum Kiwi, Haworth’s Aeonium, Pinwheel

Scientific Binomial Name

Aeonium haworthii (Synonym: Sempervivum haworthii)

Description of Aeonium Kiwi, Aeonium haworthii

The Aeonium Kiwi is a very colorful succulent with shades of cream, red and chartreuse.  It is a small branching variegated shrub.  The plant itself actually looks like a rubbery flower.  This is a very easy plant to grow.  The spade-shaped leaves are attached with a fibrous-like material that is wrapped around the stem.  The center of the is a soft yellow with red on the edges.  These plants have delicate hair-like roots that need to be kept moist.

Max Growth:  Height 6-12”; Spread 6-12”; Outside height 2-3’; spread 2-3’.

Uses:  This plant grows well in low-water landscaping beds and is ideal in containers including succulent terrariums and dish gardens.

Growing Conditions for Aeonium Kiwi, Aeonium haworthii

Light:  Dependant on bright light including at least some full sunshine.  They do well with a combination of shade, direct and indirect light.

Temperature:  Between 65-75 F (18-24 C) These will die if left outside in the dry high heat.

Soil:  These are an exception to most succulents and do best with just a standard potting soil rather than cactus soils.  They will grow well outside in most soils unless they are predominantly clay, or extremely acidic or alkaline. Mildly acidic soil (ph < 7.0) is best.

Growing Season:  Winter growing.  Many will go dormant and you can recognize this when the leaves start to curl in.  With some water and shade, they will keep living but will not be actively growing.

Flowers:  Most varieties of Aeoniums die after flowering (monocarpic).  The Aeonium haworthii that we are discussing in this article will survive after flowering in the spring to midsummer.

Outside Hardiness Zones:  9, 10, 11.  These are mildly tolerant of the frost while but only moderately heat-tolerant.  They will start to look weak if they are not getting enough water.

General Care for Aeonium Kiwi, Aeonium haworthii

Water:  Water these deeply but only infrequently.  Allow the soil to almost dry out before the next watering.

Care:  Of all the Aeoniums the haworthii or Kiwi is the easiest to grow and the hardiest.  However, be sure to follow the above growing instructions.

Pests and Diseases:  Most often disease and pest free but be alert to watch for mealybugs and aphids.

Propagation:  Since this is a hybrid, plants grown from seeds will likely look different.  You can propagate from stem cuttings any time of the year. However, the best time is in spring and summer.  Cut a 3-6 inch portion from the tip.  Place it in a dry warm spot out of direct sunlight for 2-5 days.  After the end calluses over pot this cutting in well-drained soil.  Keep in a bright area and water it lightly.  You should see the new growth in about four weeks.

Many Aeonium Kiwi’s produce plenty of pups or offshoots.  These can easily be divided off to grow new plants.  You can do this anytime but you will have more success if you wait until each pup has developed its own root system before removing it.

Medicinal and Other Uses

None

Cautions

None.

Native Distribution

The Kiwi has a hybrid origin.  The non-hybrid varieties of Aeonium are native to the west coast of North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Other Tips

They look good and grow well with Aloe, agave and Jade plants.