Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
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Asparagaceae
Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango'
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Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
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- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
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Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango'
Quick Care Guide
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: 100 cm • Max. spread: 60 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
How to read these values
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.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango' – Tropical Foliage with Red-Pink Highlights
Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango' is a bold, upright foliage plant known for its lance-shaped leaves streaked with vibrant tones of burgundy, raspberry, and deep pink. Each glossy leaf arches slightly, forming a dense vertical rosette that brings height, colour, and movement to any space. The variegation intensifies with light exposure, giving this cultivar a dramatic flair that sets it apart from more common green tropicals. 'Tango' is ideal for growers who want low effort and maximum impact – it grows fast, adapts easily, and holds colour well even in indoor settings.
Foliage Structure and Colour of Cordyline 'Tango'
- Leaf shape: Long, narrow, slightly arching with pointed tips
- Colour: Deep green base streaked with magenta, burgundy, and rose-pink
- Growth habit: Upright, cane-like stems with bushy top growth
- Indoor size: Reaches 60 – 100 cm tall and 40 – 60 cm wide
- Texture: Glossy surface with subtle ribbing along the midrib
Habitat and Background of Cordyline fruticosa
Cordyline fruticosa is native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific islands, where it grows in warm, humid forests and open clearings. It thrives in fertile, moist soil with plenty of indirect sunlight. The cultivar 'Tango' was selected for its strong vertical form and vivid coloration, which responds well to bright conditions. Indoors, it behaves like a low-maintenance ornamental cane plant, ideal for adding upright contrast in foliage arrangements or solo pots.
Note: This plant is considered toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
How to Care for Cordyline 'Tango'
- Light: Bright, filtered light enhances colour; tolerates medium light but may dull variegation
- Watering: Water when top 2 – 3 cm of soil are dry; keep evenly moist but not soggy
- Humidity: Prefers 50 – 70%; benefits from regular misting or a humid spot
- Temperature: Thrives at 20 – 28 °C; sensitive to cold drafts and dry air
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with compost and perlite
- Repotting: Every 2 years or when roots fill the pot
- Fertilising: Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser
- Propagation: By stem cuttings or division; roots easily in warm, moist substrate
- Hydroponics: Can adapt to semi-hydro if humidity and warmth are consistent
- Pruning: Trim older leaves from the base to encourage new flushes at the top
Common Problems with Cordyline 'Tango'
- Browning tips: Often due to low humidity or fluoride in tap water – switch to filtered water
- Yellowing lower leaves: A natural ageing process or result of overwatering
- Leaf drop: Usually from cold stress or sudden environmental changes
- Spider mites: Can appear in dry air – increase humidity and clean leaves regularly
- Root rot: Caused by soggy soil – ensure drainage and let topsoil dry between watering
Extra Growing Tips for Cordyline 'Tango'
To keep foliage vibrant, provide consistent warmth and high humidity. Cordyline 'Tango' responds well to regular feeding and light pruning. Rotate the pot every few weeks to encourage even growth. Mimic its natural environment – humid, warm, and filtered light – to help this tropical stunner thrive indoors without fuss.
Etymology and Botanical Naming of Cordyline fruticosa
Cordyline comes from the Greek word “kordyle,” meaning club, in reference to the thick, cane-like roots. The species name fruticosa means “shrubby” or “bushy,” describing its growth habit. The cultivar 'Tango' reflects the plant’s lively, dynamic colouration and upright rhythm in form.
Buy Cordyline 'Tango' Now
Upright, colourful, and easy to care for – Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango' brings rich tropical tones and structure into any indoor space. Order now and let your foliage collection dance with colour.
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.
FAQs about Cordyline 'Tango'
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