Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux



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Quick Care Guide
Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Watering
Water when ~40–60% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–28 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Moist 50–60 %
Growth habit
Upright cane-forming woody perennial.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 90 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm
Toxicity & safety
Toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa; species native from Papuasia to western Pacific
Outdoor growing
Outside from 15 °C · sheltered spot
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' grows as a compact Ti plant with upright stems and dense purple-red leaves. The leaves sit close around the stems, keeping the plant upright and compact. This is a warm-growing tropical cordyline, so it needs steady warmth indoors and more even moisture than the hardier New Zealand cordylines.
The species comes from Papuasia to the western Pacific, where it grows in wet tropical habitats. Indoors, it prefers bright filtered light, a warm room, higher humidity and a potting mix that stays lightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Cold draughts, dry heat and strong direct sun through glass can quickly brown the leaf edges.
The accepted species name is Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A.Chev., and it belongs to Asparagaceae. The species grows as a shrub or small tree, with leafy stems and many colourful cultivated forms. 'Purple Compacta' describes the compact growth and purple-red leaves.
Keep the mix more evenly moist than a cactus mix, while still keeping it airy around the roots.
Cordyline fruticosa is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' out of reach of pets and small children.
Cordyline comes from Greek kordyle, meaning club, referring to swollen underground parts in the genus. Fruticosa means shrubby, matching the species’ cane-forming habit.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.