Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

The New Zealand origin of Cordyline obtecta ‘Superstar’

Gordon Scott selected the plant originally named ‘Albatross’ in Whenuapai, New Zealand, in 1999 from seedlings produced by open pollination of ‘Falcon’. Tissue-culture propagation began in Hastings in 2005.

The cultivar was first documented under the older placement Cordyline baueri, now treated as a synonym of Cordyline obtecta. The species is native to Norfolk Island and northern New Zealand, including the Three Kings Islands.

Root and foliage care for a container cordyline

Managing an expanding fountain-shaped crown

The developing trunk should stand without a stake once rooted; use a heavy container if the crown becomes top-heavy. Remove spent lower leaves cleanly and shorten the trunk only when a permanent change to a branched, reshooting form is acceptable.

Light for the deep purple-red crown

Place Superstar directly by a bright south-, west- or east-facing window. The full crown needs to see the window, and established foliage may receive several hours of direct sun after acclimation.

Soaking the roots beneath a broad dark rosette

Use pot weight and a check several centimetres down to water Superstar. When the upper layer is dry, saturate the complete mix and empty any collected runoff.

Winter protection for Superstar

Keep it in mild indoor conditions, allowing a bright, relatively cool, frost-free winter conditions above freezing if the root ball is not kept wet. A container-grown Superstar should remain frost-free and out of contact with freezing panes.

Humidity and airflow

Average room humidity suits Superstar; a humidifier is normally not required. The crown benefits more from clear space and gentle air exchange, especially after a shower.

Nutrition for a broad dark crown

Give Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ a complete balanced fertiliser at the low end of the product-label rate while it is growing. Continue lightly in winter only if the plant remains warm and produces new leaves.

Checking the fountain-shaped crown of Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

Dark purple-red leaves develop pale or greenish areas

Superstar should have broad, glossy dark purple-red foliage. A gradual greener cast in new growth usually points to insufficient light, while dry bleached patches on the window-facing side fit sun scorch. Increase light gradually if the new growth is firm, but move the plant away from hot glass if damage is crisp and localised. Uniform yellowing with softness calls for a root and temperature check.

Wide sword leaves fold or split across the blade

The fountain-shaped rosette needs clearance. A straight crease or tear usually comes from packaging, handling or a leaf pressing against glass and will not spread. Support the new crown and leave partly green blades attached. Soft irregular lesions or a damaged central spear are not ordinary mechanical wear.

The fountain opens out and leans towards one side

One-sided light draws the wide leaves away from the centre and can make the heavy rosette unstable. Increase overhead light gradually, rotate the pot and make sure the root ball is anchored. If the base itself is bending or soft, stop rotating and inspect for stem damage.

The central leaves collapse after cold exposure

The growing point is less replaceable than a damaged outer blade. Keep the plant warm, remove only tissue that is fully dead and watch for a firm reshoot below the injury. A brown, soft centre or foul ooze strongly suggests active crown or stem decay. Remove affected tissue promptly, cutting back to firm, clean tissue.

Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar) 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.

How the name Cordyline obtecta came about

Cordyline comes from Greek kordyle, meaning club, referring to its thickened underground stems. The Latin epithet obtecta means concealed or covered.

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

Robert Graham first described it as Dracaena obtecta in 1827 in Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, volume 1827, issue April-June, page 175. John Gilbert Baker later placed it in Cordyline as Cordyline obtecta in 1875 in Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany, volume 14, page 543.