Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

Identity and natural origin of Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

Gordon Scott selected ‘Albatross’ at Whenuapai, New Zealand in 1999 from open-pollinated seedlings of ‘Falcon’. The plant later entered commercial production under the market name Superstar. Older labels may use Cordyline baueri, which is now treated as the same species as Cordyline obtecta. The species is native to Norfolk Island and a small part of northern New Zealand. It is currently classed as At Risk – Naturally Uncommon in New Zealand.

Container care for Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

• Temperature and light: ‘Albatross’ likes very bright light and grows well in cool to mild conditions. Once it has adjusted to the position, direct sun helps keep the foliage dark and compact.
• Water: Water after the upper part of the mix has dried, then let the excess drain. Cooler conditions mean a longer interval before the next watering.
• Potting mix: Use a fertile mix that stays loose over time. Bark, loam-based compost, pumice or grit are suitable ingredients for a large container.
• Cold protection: ‘Albatross’ may tolerate a light frost in a sheltered position, but protecting a potted plant from frost is the safer choice. Keep the compost from staying cold and wet.
• Humidity: Normal household humidity is adequate. Give the broad crown enough room for air to circulate.
• Feeding: Feed modestly while leaves and roots are developing and reduce the amount as growth slows.
• Repotting: The developing trunk supports the crown. Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant feels unstable; a heavier pot can help balance an older plant.
• Propagation: Propagate ‘Albatross’ from rooted shoots or suitable stem cuttings.

Troubleshooting Cordyline obtecta ‘Albatross’ (Superstar)

• New leaves become greener and the crown loosens: The plant probably needs more light. Move it toward a brighter position in stages and check the colour and spacing of the next leaves.
• Dry brown patches spread from the broad leaf tips: Long dry spells, fertiliser salts or hot dry air can contribute. Water thoroughly when needed and give the pot a deep rinse if salts have accumulated.
• A group of lower leaves yellows while the compost remains wet: The roots may be staying too cold and wet. Let the pot dry longer, improve drainage and check for soft brown roots if yellowing continues.
• Fine pale speckling spreads across the leaves with light webbing: Spider mites may be present. Rinse the foliage carefully and move the plant away from nearby houseplants. If the infestation continues, use a spider-mite treatment labelled for ornamental plants and follow its repeat instructions.
• The crown or trunk becomes soft after cold, wet conditions: Rot is developing. Remove damaged tissue with a clean, disinfected tool until firm healthy tissue remains, improve drainage and keep the surviving plant warm and airy while it recovers.

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.