Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’

A burgundy selection of New Zealand cabbage tree

‘Red Star’ is a cultivated colour form of Cordyline australis, selected for bronze-red to burgundy foliage. The species itself is New Zealand’s familiar tī kōuka, a woody monocot that changes from a ground-level leaf fountain into a trunked, branching tree.

Wild C. australis grows across New Zealand in open forest, along rivers and wetland margins, and on exposed lowland sites. Conditions vary from mild coastal districts to cooler southern landscapes, often with regular rain and moving air. The burgundy colour comes from horticultural selection, while the firm leaves and upright crown retain the structure of this adaptable New Zealand species.

Container care for an upright cordyline

Light and settling in

Give Cordyline ‘Red Star’ the sunniest indoor position available, preferably at a south or west window with light reaching the full burgundy crown. Once acclimated, the narrow crown can use direct sun for part of the day.

Watering and root care

Water Cordyline ‘Red Star’ deeply once the upper layer of the substrate has dried and the container has lost much of its wet weight. Let every drainage hole run freely.

Roots and substrate

Cordyline ‘Red Star’ needs a coarse mix that keeps its structure over time. The firm roots need enough depth to grow downwards, but the mix must drain quickly after watering.

Bright, cool winter conditions for the plant

Keep it in mild conditions; a bright, cool, frost-free winter position is often better than a warm, dim room. Protect Cordyline ‘Red Star’ from frost and prolonged cold, particularly when its root ball is damp.

Humidity and airflow

Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is comfortable in average indoor humidity. Increasing it rarely changes the quality of the tough leaves when light and roots are correct.

Feeding

Feed Cordyline ‘Red Star’ at a modest dose while it is producing firm new growth. A well-lit plant may continue to need nutrients in winter; pause only when growth and drying slow.

When Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ looks unwell

Older bronze-red leaves dry from the base

Cordyline ‘Red Star’ gradually sheds its lowest blades as a visible stem forms. It is normal when loss is slow, the trunk is hard and the centre keeps producing firm leaves. Remove fully dry blades and leave green ones attached. Several soft yellow-brown leaves at once call for a check of the cold, wet root ball.

New leaves look greener or less intensely burgundy

Fresh foliage may deepen in colour as it hardens, while low light produces softer, greener leaves. Give the plant brighter filtered light gradually and judge the next complete set of leaves. This colour response is not proof that the cultivar has genetically reverted.

Tan edges show clearly against the dark foliage

Repeated dry spells, concentrated feed, mineral-rich water and cold air can all kill the narrow margins. Check which occurred before changing care: dry compost calls for a thorough drink, while constantly wet compost does not. Flush salt build-up and keep the rosette away from cold glass; damaged edges will not recolour.

The red central spear pulls loose or collapses

Cold injury can kill the crown even while outer leaves still look presentable. If the spear is loose, the centre soft or there is a sour smell, remove decomposed tissue and keep water out of the damaged crown while assessing the firm stem below. Spreading softness or ooze down the trunk requires prompt disposal of affected material.

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ 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.

Cordyline australis: where the name comes from

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.