Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga' – bold tropical foliage with deep green and burgundy tones


Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga' brings a dense, upright growth habit and broad, glossy leaves in rich shades of emerald and burgundy. Its large foliage emerges in tight vertical columns, with a subtle gradient of green to reddish-maroon, especially on newer leaves and stems. Unlike some sprawling Cordylines, ‘Conga’ stays compact and sculptural, with strong architectural form and minimal leaf drop. It’s adaptable to bright indoor spaces and stable warmth, making it ideal for structured interiors or grouped foliage displays with bold vertical presence.


Leaf characteristics and growth structure



 
Leaf shape: Broad, elongated lance-shaped leaves with soft points
 
Color: Deep green base with burgundy to reddish tones near petioles and young leaves
 
Texture: Glossy surface with firm structure and gentle arching
 
Growth style: Upright rosette with vertical clustering and layered foliage
 
Indoor size: Grows 60–100 cm tall indoors; moderate width at base


Natural origins and environmental adaptation


This cultivar comes from Cordyline fruticosa, native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. It’s adapted to warm, humid climates and shaded forest edges, where it develops its upright form and thick foliage. 'Conga' is a modern cultivar selected for compactness, foliage richness, and suitability for indoor use in stable, warm spaces. It tolerates standard humidity and grows reliably without sprawling or leaning.



 
Origin: Cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa, Southeast Asian rainforest lineage
 
Growth rate: Moderate; adds foliage steadily under consistent light
 
Habitat needs: Warmth, filtered light, and free-draining soil
 
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested
 
Type: Evergreen tropical; upright self-heading shrublet form


Cordyline 'Conga' care



 
Light: Bright indirect is best; tolerates partial shade but may lose red hues in low light
 
Watering: Water when the top 3 cm of soil are dry; don’t allow roots to stay wet
 
Humidity: Adapts to 40–60%, but thrives with a bit more if possible
 
Temperature: Optimal between 20–28 °C; avoid exposure below 15 °C
 
Soil: Loose, aerated mix with bark, perlite, and organic matter
 
Repotting: Every 2 years or when roots fill the container base
 
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid feed every 4–6 weeks in warmer months
 
Propagation: Via stem cuttings or division of side shoots
 
Hydroponics: Not recommended; prefers lightly moist, organic soil
 
Pruning: Remove yellow or lower leaves from the base to keep form clean


Common issues and care tips



 
Leaf tips turning brown: Usually caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering — stabilize both
 
Color loss: Can occur in too much shade — move to a brighter, filtered spot
 
Leaf drop: May result from cold shock or underwatering — monitor placement and soil moisture
 
Pest problems: Watch for spider mites or scale; treat early with neem oil or gentle soap spray
 
Root rot: Avoid compacted soil or stagnant pots — use breathable substrates


Extra notes and styling


'Conga' is ideal for minimal setups or as a standalone vertical foliage statement. The deep tones pair well with light planters and soft backgrounds, especially in bright corners or near filtered windows. Use it to contrast finer-leaved species or to introduce strong vertical structure without bulk. It holds its color year-round and doesn't outgrow space quickly.


Etymology and cultivar background


“Cordyline” comes from the Greek “kordyle,” meaning club, referencing its thickened stem structure. “Fruticosa” means shrubby. The cultivar name 'Conga' reflects its dense, upright rhythm and tight-leaved formation — compact, controlled, and bold. It’s part of a modern series bred for home and conservatory growing.


FAQs about Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga'



 
Does it need high humidity?
No, but it appreciates moderate humidity — around 50% keeps leaves in better condition.
 
Can I grow it in a small pot?
Yes — it stays manageable in 15–20 cm pots without needing frequent up-potting.
 
Will the red coloration fade?
In deep shade, yes — keep in bright filtered light to preserve its darker tones.


Buy Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga' now


Want a low-effort upright plant with rich foliage tones and compact growth? Order Cordyline fruticosa 'Conga' today and bring deep color and structured greenery into your setup.