Cordyline australis

Natural range of Cordyline australis

New Zealand is the entire natural range of Cordyline australis, which grows on the North, South and Stewart Islands. It is especially common on river terraces, beside streams and on damp open ground, although established trees cope with many soil types. Its natural range runs from coastal areas into the uplands. The species is currently considered Not Threatened in New Zealand.

Container care for Cordyline australis

• Light: Put it in the brightest position available. Direct sun suits a plant that has been moved into stronger light gradually and helps keep the crown firm.
• Water: Water when the top of the mix has dried and the pot feels lighter. Soak thoroughly, then let the container drain. In cool conditions the plant will need water less often.
• Potting mix: Choose a sturdy, free-draining mix that still holds some moisture. Loam-based compost, bark, pumice or grit can all work well in a large pot.
• Temperature: Mild and cool conditions suit this New Zealand species. Protect the roots and central crown of a potted plant from severe frost and long periods of cold, wet compost.
• Humidity: Ordinary indoor humidity is sufficient. Good air movement around the crown helps wet leaves dry after cleaning or watering.
• Feeding: Feed lightly while new leaves are developing, then reduce or pause fertiliser when growth slows.
• Repotting: The trunk supports the crown naturally. Repot when roots fill the pot, the mix dries very quickly or the plant becomes top-heavy; a heavy outer pot can improve stability.
• Propagation: The species can be grown from fresh seed, shoots or suitable stem pieces. Established trunks can also produce new shoots after cutting.

Troubleshooting Cordyline australis

• Firm leaves develop dry brown tips: Uneven watering, fertiliser salts or hot dry air can cause this. Return to a steady watering routine and rinse the pot thoroughly if fertiliser salts may have built up.
• New leaves are soft, narrow or lean strongly toward the window: The plant needs more light. Bring it closer to the brightest window and turn the pot a little as new leaves develop.
• The newest leaf in the centre browns or pulls loose after cold weather: Cold damage or crown rot may have injured the centre of the crown. Keep the centre dry, remove any decaying tissue with a clean, disinfected tool and watch the firm stem below for new shoots.
• Several lower leaves yellow while the compost remains wet: The roots are staying wet for too long. Allow more drying, improve drainage and trim soft brown roots back to healthy tissue with a clean, disinfected tool before repotting.
• Sticky leaves or firm brown bumps appear: Scale insects are likely. Wipe or pick off visible scale and separate the plant during treatment. If the pest persists, use a scale product labelled for ornamental plants and follow its repeat instructions.

Cordyline australis is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• It contains saponins that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
• Chewing may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, reduced appetite or weakness. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

What does Cordyline australis mean, and who first published it?

Cordyline comes from Greek kordyle, meaning club, referring to its thickened underground stems. The epithet australis means southern.

Robert Brown established the genus Cordyline in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 280; Philibert Commerson had proposed the name.

Johann Georg Adam Forster first described it as Dracaena australis in 1786 in Flora Insularum Australium, page 24. Stephan Friedrich Ladislaus Endlicher later placed it in Cordyline as Cordyline australis in 1833 in Prodromus Florae Norfolkicae, page 29.