Light
Very bright / some direct • approx. 20,000–40,000 lux
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Asparagaceae
Cordyline obtecta 'Superstar'
- Curated selection:
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.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- 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 obtecta 'Superstar'
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~40–60% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 5–24 °C • Avoid below: 1 °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: 70 cm
Toxicity & safety
Toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Cordyline obtecta; species native to Norfolk Island and northern New Zealand
Outdoor growing
Outside from 10 °C · winter-protected 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 obtecta 'Superstar' – architectural foliage with striking green and yellow contrast
Cordyline obtecta 'Superstar' is a bold, upright-growing cultivar known for its wide, arching leaves and vibrant variegation. Each blade features a bright lime to golden yellow center flanked by deep green margins, creating a crisp striped effect that stands out in both indoor and sheltered outdoor settings. Its symmetrical, fountain-like shape gives height and structure without becoming bulky, while the strong leaf color adds an instant focal point. ‘Superstar’ brings tropical flair and high visual contrast with very little maintenance required.
Foliage traits and overall form
- Leaf shape: Long, wide, sword-like blades with a slightly arching habit
- Color: Bright yellow-green centers with dark green borders
- Texture: Glossy and firm, with smooth margins
- Growth style: Upright rosette with strong vertical lift and controlled spread
- Indoor size: Reaches 60 – 100 cm in height and 50 – 70 cm in width
Natural background and growing conditions
'Superstar' is a cultivar of Cordyline obtecta, a species native to New Zealand’s subtropical coastal forests. It naturally grows in exposed, windy environments, which gives it excellent tolerance to fluctuating conditions and full sun. Indoors, it thrives in bright spots with stable warmth, keeping its variegation sharp and growth tidy. It's well-suited to container culture, staying upright and defined without sprawling or trailing.
- Species origin: New Zealand, coastal forests and exposed slopes
- Light tolerance: Full sun to bright indirect indoors
- Growth rate: Moderate with regular feeding and good light
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested – keep away from pets and children
- Type: Evergreen, upright, self-heading rosette grower
Cordyline 'Superstar' care
- Light: Needs bright indirect light or full sun to maintain strong variegation
- Watering: Water when the top few cm of soil are dry; do not let roots sit in water
- Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity; benefits from airflow
- Temperature: Best between 18 – 28 °C; protect from temperatures below 10 °C
- Soil: Fast-draining, loose mix with added bark or sand
- Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years or when rootbound
- Feeding: Monthly feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer in active growth months
- Propagation: Via stem cuttings or division of basal shoots
- Hydroponics: Not suited to water-based setups; prefers soil
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged outer leaves at base for tidiness
Common issues and quick fixes
- Leaf tips browning: Usually due to low humidity or dry air – increase humidity slightly
- Pale color or fading variegation: Caused by low light – relocate to brighter spot
- Leaf drop or soft stems: Result of overwatering or cold exposure – adjust care accordingly
- Pest sensitivity: May attract mealybugs or spider mites – inspect regularly and treat early
- Slow growth: Often normal indoors – boost light or feed if growth stalls completely
Extra notes and styling suggestions
This plant works well as a tall accent or centerpiece thanks to its strong foliage contrast and tidy growth. Use it in minimalist containers or bright ceramic pots to highlight the color pattern. It's excellent for grouping with green foliage plants or other Cordyline cultivars to create a textured, tropical look indoors or on a warm balcony.
Etymology and cultivar notes
“Cordyline” comes from the Greek “kordyle,” meaning club, referencing its swollen rootstocks. The species name “obtecta” means covered or protected, likely referring to its tightly layered leaves. The cultivar name 'Superstar' reflects its vivid coloring and standout visual appeal in foliage collections.
Buy Cordyline 'Superstar' now
Looking for upright structure and vivid leaf color? Order Cordyline obtecta 'Superstar' today and bring strong contrast and modern tropical design into your space.
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 obtecta 'Superstar'
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