Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' – multicolored tropical foliage with vivid pink and lime streaks

Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is a vibrant, upright-growing cultivar with eye-catching variegation in green, cream, and blush-pink. The long, lance-shaped leaves are streaked and edged with vivid color that intensifies under bright light, giving the plant an energetic, tropical look. Its compact, symmetrical form makes it ideal for smaller spaces or as a pop of color in mixed foliage arrangements. Easy to maintain and rewarding in appearance, ‘Kiwi’ thrives with warmth, light, and steady care — no complicated routine required.
Foliage details and overall shape
 
Leaf shape: Narrow, sword-like leaves with pointed tips
 
Color: Striped mix of lime green, cream, and pink margins with reddish-pink midribs
 
Texture: Smooth, glossy surface with subtle arching
 
Growth habit: Upright rosette with layered foliage and tight spacing
 
Indoor size: Grows 50–80 cm tall and 40–60 cm wide
Habitat and cultivar origin
This colorful hybrid comes from Cordyline fruticosa, a tropical species native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In the wild, these plants grow in filtered light under forest canopies with consistent warmth and humidity. ‘Kiwi’ is a compact ornamental cultivar bred for its intense color and controlled form, well suited to indoor life as long as it receives enough light and warmth.
 
Species origin: Southeast Asia and Pacific tropical forests
 
Growth type: Upright, self-supporting non-climber
 
Climate preference: Warm and humid, but adaptable indoors
 
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested — not pet-safe
 
Lifespan: Long-lived with steady maintenance
Cordyline 'Kiwi' care guide
 
Light: Bright indirect light keeps colors vivid; avoid deep shade
 
Water: Let top 2–4 cm of soil dry before watering; never let it sit in soggy substrate
 
Humidity: Prefers 50–60% or higher; stable indoor humidity works fine
 
Temperature: Keep between 20–28 °C; avoid sudden cold exposure
 
Soil: Fast-draining tropical mix with bark, perlite, and organic matter
 
Repotting: Every 2 years or when pot becomes rootbound
 
Feeding: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth
 
Propagation: Through stem cuttings or division of basal offsets
 
Hydroponics: Not ideal — prefers aerated substrate with moisture retention
 
Pruning: Remove yellowing or older leaves from the base to keep tidy
Common problems and how to fix them
 
Leaf tip browning: Often caused by dry air or inconsistent watering — adjust both
 
Color fading: Move to brighter location; pigment fades without light
 
Pest concerns: May attract spider mites or scale — treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap
 
Soft stem base: Root rot from poor drainage — repot into well-aerated mix
 
Drooping leaves: Common after underwatering or temperature drops — recover with warmth and regular care
Extra tips and display ideas
'Kiwi' adds a punch of color without overwhelming space. It works well in minimalist containers or bright ceramic pots to highlight its foliage patterns. Pair it with neutral or green-leafed plants to create contrast, or use it solo as a statement piece. Because of its manageable size and clean upright form, it suits sideboards, bright corners, or grouped tropical displays.
Etymology and cultivar context
“Cordyline” comes from the Greek word “kordyle,” meaning club, referring to the thick rootstock. “Fruticosa” means shrubby, describing its multi-stemmed, bush-like habit. The cultivar name ‘Kiwi’ reflects its vibrant green-pink coloration, reminiscent of tropical fruit tones, and its popularity in ornamental plant markets worldwide.
FAQs about Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'
 
Is this plant high-maintenance?Not at all — it’s easygoing as long as it gets light and warmth.
 
Can it grow in lower light?It will survive, but the colors will dull — use bright filtered light for best results.
 
Does it grow quickly?Moderate pace — expect steady growth, not rapid expansion.
Buy Cordyline 'Kiwi' now
Ready to add vibrant color and upright structure to your space? Order Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' today and brighten your plant collection with its bold tropical style.