A cordyline plant offers tropical foliage and vibrant colors for gardens and patio pots.
Peter Krumhardt
Cordyline plants bringtropical lushnessto backyard beds and patio pots.
Cordylines (Cordylinespp.)
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
are perennials inUSDA Zone 9and warmer.
However, they can be grown as annuals or potted plants in more temperate areas.
They can also be grown as houseplants.
Credit: Denny Schrock
This guide will help you grow cordylines successfully in your garden or home.
Where to Plant Cordyline
Plant cordylines in areas that receive full morning sun or dappled all-day light.
Hot afternoon sun in southern regions can be too much for some varieties.
Credit: Denny Schrock
In general, cordylines with foliage that is more green than red or pink can take more sun.
Cordyline leaves are toxic to dogs and catswhen ingested.
Keep the plant away from areas where your pets play.
Credit: Denny Schrock
If the cordyline resists coming loose from the pot, water it and wait 15 minutes.
The plant will slide out easily.
Before placing the cordyline in its new home, loosen any pot-bound roots and cut any girdling roots.
Water the plant well.
Cordylines can grow large, so consider the varietys mature size when spacing young plants.
Youll find they are easy to care for as houseplants but have sensitivities to treated water and cold spots.
Light
Cordyline species prefer bright, filtered light.
In their native habitat, tree-canopy-filtered light is what they get.
However, modern cultivarsdo fine with full sun, and their colors are more vibrant.
Soil and Water
Cordylines enjoyrich soil that is well-drainingand neutral to slightly acidic.
Good-quality potting soil is fine for container plants.
For in-ground beds, work in some compost before planting, andmulch for weed and soil moisture control.
Otherwise, the plants should be fine with rainfall.
Allow cordylines grown as houseplants to dry out slightly between waterings.
Temperature and Humidity
Cordylines are tropical plants that enjoy higher humidity levels and warm temperatures.
Indoors, mist the plant regularly or add a plant humidifier to keep the humidity on the high side.
Fertilizer
In-ground cordylines can be top-dressed annually with compost.
Slow-releasegranular fertilizers applied in spring work well.
Large cordylines require heavy-duty garden shears to prune, as the canes are thick and woody.
Use any pruned canes to propagate new plants.
Large containers with drainage holes are best for growing cordyline.
Pests and Problems
Cordylines are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, especially fluoride.
If your municipality treats the water with fluorine, you may need to collect rainwater or use filtered water.
Leaf tip burn and brown, crispy leaf edges are common indicators of fluoride toxicity.
Fusarium root and stem rot are problems due to excessive watering and poor drainage.
Wet conditions allow this fungal disease to thrive, causing yellowing leaves and wilting.
The roots will look blackened and squishy.Controlling root rotinvolves repotting into fresh potting mix and ensuring adequate drainage.
How to Propagate Cordyline
Cordyline propagates well from stem cuttings and can be rooted easily in water.
You want woody sections of stem or cane, about 6 inches long.
Multiple cuttings can be made from a long piece of stem.
For water propagation, place each stem piece in a clear container of clean water inbright indirect lightand wait.
After roots form, transplant the cuttings into pots.
The large, flat, arching leaves provide a tropical look.
It is a great thriller for a large container.
It reaches about 4 feet tall and wide at maturity, so give it some space.
It can reach as high as 7 feet in a garden setting and displays sword-shaped, purple leaves.
Its impressive height makes it a great focal point in the landscape.
Red Sister
Red Sister (Cordyline fruticosa) is a classic with huge burgundy leaves.
This cordyline provides all-season deep color to contrast with lighter-colored flowers or foliage.
It grows to 6 feet tall and is spectacular when planted in groups.
It grows to 18 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 10 and 11.
Use it in mass plantings or to brighten a corner of the yard.
It also works well in containers.
Bird of Paradise
Exoticbird of paradise(Strelitziaspp.)
complements the tropical look of cordyline and shares the same sunlight preferences.
Elephants Ear
Elephants ear(Alocasiaspp.)
evokes tropical jungles with its huge leaves and height.
It easily serves as a focus point in borders or large planters.
Hardy in Zones 10-11, this plant can be overwintered indoors in cold climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown leaves on cordylines can be removed and composted.
Snip or twist them off.
This process doesnt hurt the plant, and it will look tidier and more appealing with them removed.
They are long-lived perennials.
Outdoor cordylines prefer temperatures between 65F and 95F.
When growing them indoors as houseplants, keep them away from cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
