ðŸŒą PropagateDirectory
Plants / Kiwi

Kiwi

Actinidia deliciosa

Also known as: Kiwifruit, Chinese Gooseberry

ðŸū Pet-safeActinidiaceaeModerate to propagate

A complete guide to growing and propagating Kiwi: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.

Kiwi care at a glance

☀ïļ Light
Full sun to part shade; needs a sturdy support to climb.
💧 Water
Keep evenly moist during growth; vigorous vines are thirsty in summer.
ðŸŠī Soil
Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
ðŸ’Ļ Humidity
Deciduous vine hardy in zones 7-9; hardy kiwi (A. arguta) survives to zone 4. Needs a male and female plant to fruit.
ðŸū Toxicity
Non-toxic to cats and dogs; the fruit is edible for people. Note that kiwi vines attract cats much like catnip.

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Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

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How to propagate Kiwi

Softwood cuttings

Difficulty: ModerateTimeline: Roots in 4-8 weeks; pot on once rooted.
  1. Take 4-6 inch tip cuttings of soft growth in early summer.
  2. Strip the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
  3. Insert into moist cutting mix and cover with a dome.
  4. Keep warm and bright; pot on once rooted.

Layering

Difficulty: EasyTimeline: Roots in 8-12 weeks; sever the following season.
  1. Bend a low vine to the soil and pin it at a node.
  2. Cover with soil, leaving the tip exposed.
  3. Keep moist while roots form.
  4. Sever and transplant the rooted section.

Common Kiwi problems & fixes

Cuttings rot before they root

Too wet or no airflow. Use a free-draining mix, water sparingly, and vent the humidity cover daily.

Cuttings wilt after taking them

Normal at first — keep humidity high under a dome, out of direct sun, until roots form and perk them up.

Powdery mildew on leaves

Poor airflow and damp foliage. Space plants out, water at the base, and improve circulation.

Track your kiwi cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

Get SnipLog →

Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications — if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.