Cordyline

Q: What light do indoor Cordylines need?

Most colourful Cordyline fruticosa cultivars grow well in bright indirect daylight. Cordyline australis can tolerate a sunnier position after acclimatisation. Harsh sun can mark delicate variegated leaves.

Q: How should I water Cordyline?

Tropical Cordyline fruticosa prefers lightly moist potting mix, with the surface drying a little before watering again. C. australis and C. obtecta can handle more drying, although prolonged drought is best avoided in pots. Check beneath the surface and let any excess water drain after watering.

Q: Are Cordylines safe around pets?

Cordyline fruticosa and several commonly grown Cordyline are considered harmful to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep the leaves away from pets that chew plants.

5 for 4

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’

€9,75

Cordyline fruticosa 'Mambo' leaf close-up on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Mambo’Sold out

Cordyline obtecta 'Superstar' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'New Conga' leaf detail on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘New Conga’Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Chocolate Queen' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Chocolate Queen’Sold out

Cordyline x 'Festival Burgundy' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline ‘Jurred’ (Festival Burgundy)Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Rumba' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Rumba’Sold out

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Pink Champion' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Pink Champion’Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' leaf detail on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’Sold out

Cordyline australis potted plant in nursery pot on white background.

Cordyline australisSold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Tango’Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Glauca' leaf close-up on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’Sold out

Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga' close-up of leaf on white background.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Conga’Sold out

Asparagaceae

Cordyline

Cordyline species grow across tropical Pacific regions and into New Zealand and Australia. Their long leaves gather around stem tips, and the lower stems become more visible as older leaves fall.

The ti plant, Cordyline fruticosa, has long been cultivated in Pacific regions for its leaves. Garden and houseplant varieties now include deep red, pink, cream and striped foliage. Cordyline australis, native to New Zealand, develops the taller, trunk-like form familiar from mature plants.

Botanical Profile

Cordyline species grow across tropical Pacific regions and into New Zealand and Australia. Their long leaves gather around stem tips, and the lower stems become more visible as older leaves fall.

Details & Care

Cordyline plants

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Chocolate Queen’ carries green and cream foliage with darker tones, while ‘Pink Champion’ adds pink markings. ‘Mambo’ has rich burgundy leaves, and Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ grows narrow, upright foliage that can eventually rise above a visible trunk.

Tropical ti-plant cultivars make full crowns with colour concentrated around the stem tips. Cordyline australis grows into a taller, narrow-leaved plant, while many fruticosa cultivars stay leafy closer to the pot when young. Mature height and width vary with the species.

Bright indirect daylight and steady warmth are useful for colourful indoor forms. Keep C. fruticosa lightly moist during active growth, allowing the surface to begin drying before watering. C. australis generally tolerates more drying in a container. Older lower leaves may fall as a stem lengthens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cordyline

Will an indoor Cordyline develop a visible stem?

Many Cordyline begin as leafy crowns close to the pot. As they mature and lose older lower leaves, a cane or trunk can become more visible. The eventual shape depends on the species and cultivar.

What light do indoor Cordylines need?

Most colourful Cordyline fruticosa cultivars grow well in bright indirect daylight. Cordyline australis can tolerate a sunnier position after acclimatisation. Harsh sun can mark delicate variegated leaves.

How should I water Cordyline?

Tropical Cordyline fruticosa prefers lightly moist potting mix, with the surface drying a little before watering again. C. australis and C. obtecta can handle more drying, although prolonged drought is best avoided in pots. Check beneath the surface and let any excess water drain after watering.

Why do Cordyline leaf tips go brown?

Brown tips can follow repeated drying, dry indoor air or mineral build-up in the potting mix. Check the moisture around the roots and the water you use, especially with tender ti-plant varieties.

Are Cordylines safe around pets?

Cordyline fruticosa and several commonly grown Cordyline are considered harmful to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep the leaves away from pets that chew plants.

Worth reading:

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Cordyline

Cordyline

Cordyline plants

Cordyline plants

Frequently Asked Questions About Cordyline

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