Cordyline australis 'Red Star'

Cordyline australis 'Red Star'

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is a dark-leaved selection of Cordyline australis with an upright crown of bronze-red to burgundy strap leaves. It starts as a compact fountain of narrow foliage and gradually gains height as the stem develops. The bronze-red blades radiate from the crown and deepen in bright positions where the leaves receive enough light.

This cultivar is often used in patio containers, cool conservatories and bright indoor spaces. Its shape stays upright and narrow, with leaves radiating from the crown in a dense head.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' defining traits

• Bronze-red to deep burgundy strap foliage
• Upright, fountain-like crown with bronze-red leaves held in a vertical tuft
• Needs bright positions with good airflow
• Can form a visible stem as it matures
• Grows well in containers with a stable pot and free-draining substrate

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' growth and container behaviour

'Red Star' belongs to the New Zealand Cordyline australis group. Young potted plants hold bronze-red foliage in a narrow upright crown. Mature plants grown outdoors in mild, sheltered areas may develop the branching, crown-forming habit typical of the species.

Coloured Cordyline australis cultivars can be sensitive to winter damage when young or container-grown. Bright shelter and free drainage reduce winter leaf and crown damage in containers.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' light and pot care

• Light: Provide bright light with gentle sun. Indoors, place close to a bright window; outdoors, acclimate slowly before giving stronger light.
• Watering: Water when the upper substrate has started to dry. Keep the root zone evenly moist in warm growth, then reduce watering in cooler months.
• Substrate: Use a loam-based or mineral-rich, free-draining mix with excellent drainage. Add coarse material to prevent compaction.
• Temperature: Protect potted plants from frost. Young and coloured plants need reliable winter shelter.
• Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is acceptable when the plant has strong light and steady watering.
• Feeding: Use a light feed while new leaves are forming in spring and summer. Deeper colour and firm leaves come from light, root health and balanced nutrition.
• Repotting: Move up gradually into a heavier, stable pot as the crown gains height. Choose only a modest size increase when repotting.
• Leaf care: Remove fully spent lower leaves by trimming close to the stem. Keep the crown dry in cold weather.
• Outdoor use: Use a sheltered patio, balcony or garden position in the warm season. Protect from cold wind and prolonged winter wet.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' problem signs

• Faded or greenish new leaves: Check light levels. New growth may stretch in dim rooms.
• Brown tips and edges: Review watering consistency, cold draughts, salt build-up and dry indoor heat.
• Soft lower stem or crown: Inspect for cold, wet substrate and reduce watering until the root zone has recovered.
• Fine webbing or speckled leaves: Check for spider mites, especially in warm, dry indoor air.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' safety notes

Place Cordyline australis 'Red Star' where cats, dogs and small children cannot chew the foliage. The firm strap leaves can also irritate when placed in narrow walkways.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' botanical name details

Cordyline comes from Greek kordyle, meaning club, in reference to swollen underground stems in the genus. In botanical Latin, australis points to a southern association. Cordyline australis belongs to Asparagaceae.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' carries bronze-red foliage on a narrow crown that gains height as the stem develops.