Cultivating from cuttings
- Cut the stem of the Cordyline, making sure to leave a bit poking from the ground.
- Take the cutting, remove any lower leaves and plant it in a pot of soil, patting down the soil to secure the stem.
- Water the plant and monitor it until the roots develop and wait for new growth to emerge in several weeks. ...
Full Answer
Can you grow Cordyline australis from seed?
Cordyline australis can be grown from seed, although it does take years to develop sizeable plants. Large, established cordyline plants may produce suckers – these are shoots that arise from the base of the plant – which can be propagated to make new plants.
How do you grow cordylines in pots?
They do best in well-drained soil. In cold regions, grow cordylines in pots and then move them under cover for winter, or wrap them to protect them from frost. Grow cordyline as a specimen plant in a lawn or border where its strong vertical shape makes a handsome contrast to other plants.
How do you wrap Cordyline plants for winter?
Then, wrap the plant in horticultural fleece – the thickest grade or ‘frost fleece’ is best. Remove the wrapping and ties in late winter when the weather starts to warm up. Cordyline plants growing in pots can be wrapped up, including the pot, if it’s not possible to move plants under cover.
What are the different types of Cordyline plants?
The cordyline plant has different varieties, generally with colorful leaves. Depending on where you want to put your cordyline plants, they can grow to nearly a foot in height. 1. Cordyline fruticosa: This version has glossy, colorful leaves that change according to the cultivar used.
Where does Cordyline australis grow?
The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, although there’s a range of cultivars with variegated, coloured or multi-coloured foliage. Green-leaved forms are largest and fastest-growing and can reach around 5 metres high. Coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 m high, and less when grown in containers.
How cold does cordyline soil get?
Despite the exotic appearance of cordylines, they are reasonably hardy and can survive the winter outside in mild areas or sheltered sites outside with winter temperatures down to around -5° C. They do best in well-drained soil.
When should I prune a cordyline?
Daniel Haynes, gardenersworld.com, explains how and when to prune your cordyline, in our Quick Tips video:
What is the color of Cordyline australis?
Cordyline australis – broad green leaves and fast growth habit to develop trunks and bear flowers. Cordyline australis ‘Albertii’ – multi-coloured leaves which are green, veined with red in the middle, striped with cream and edged pink. Cordyline australis ‘Purple Tower’ – a dark shade of plum-purple.
How to protect cordyline plants from frost?
Cordylines can survive temperatures of around -5° C but foliage can be disfigured by cold winds and frosts. Wrapping plants for the winter protects the leaves from damage and gives protection to the growing point of the plant. Wrap plants after a dry spell of weather to avoid trapping moisture under the covering which can cause rot. Using a non-abrasive tie such as soft string, raffia or discarded nylon tights, start at the top of the trunk and wind upwards round the leaves so they are pulled upwards into a point. Then, wrap the plant in horticultural fleece – the thickest grade or ‘frost fleece’ is best. Remove the wrapping and ties in late winter when the weather starts to warm up.
How to keep water from building up in pots?
To avoid water building up in the pot, either stand pots on gravel or raise just off the ground so excess water drains freely. Feed plants in pots either by applying a single dose of controlled-release fertilizer, in early spring, or make monthly applications of liquid fertilizer through spring and summer.
What is a cordyline?
Cordyline is a bold and handsome evergreen shrub that slowly develops a tree-like form. It has a dramatic and exotic appearance with an attractive architectural shape, forming either a single trunk or multiple stems topped with dense tufts of long, narrow, leathery leaves. Cordyline is sometimes known as cabbage palm, ...
How tall are cordylines?
However, it needs plenty of water and sunshine to thrive. Back in 2006, we planted a pair of cordylines standing at 6 feet tall. These trees are now standing over 20 feet tall and have supplied us with many bonus plants over the years. It's definitely the plant that keeps on giving!
What are cordyline leaves used for?
In New Zealand, the cordyline tree leaves are put to many uses, including house construction, rope making, basket weaving, and other textile projects. It produces a one-meter-long flower that will fill your garden with the scent of jasmine in Spring.
Where does Cordyline australis grow?
The Cordyline australis is a native plant of New Zealand. Characterized by their stout trunk and meter-long sword-like leaves, these plants have become prevalent throughout Europe, mainly because of their subtropical appearance but hardiness to cold weather. Also known as a cabbage palm or cabbage tree, these trees can grow as tall as 20 meters in ...
How to transplant a new stem from a mother plant?
With a sharp knife, cut the new stem from the mother plant at the base of the new stem. With the new stems on existing branches, I tend to remove as soon as I see them. But every now and then, a new stem will grow from the base of the mother plant. I would recommend allowing that stem to grow for a year before separating it from the mother plant. The hope is that the new stem will have its own root system in place and will be very easy to transplant once cut from the mother plant.
How to get brown leaves off a tree?
Step 1: Remove the brown leaves from the plant, which is a simple process of pulling them away from the tree. Don't worry if you cannot reach the highest leaves, because, in high winds, all the brown leaves will eventually blow down.
Can cordyline plants survive in snow?
We have had some winter nights where the temperatures have plummeted down to -12°F. Yet all our cordyline plants have been completely unaffected, even with a dusting of snow.
When to remove dead spikes from a flower?
Remove the dead flower spikes after flowering has finished.
Growing Cordylines: What are the perfect growing conditions?
Every plant has certain conditions that need fulfilling if you want to get the most out of them. For Cordylines, you don’t need to fulfil a lot of conditions as they are fairly easy to grow.
How to plant a Cordyline in the ground
When it comes to planting Cordylines, it is the same process as any other shrub. Dig a hole around the same depth of the root ball and twice as wide. Add plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to the bottom of the hole and mix in well.
Cordyline care
Once fully established, Cordylines grown in the garden require very little care or watering, however, they can benefit from occasion pruning and feeding, which I will discuss below.
What is cordyline foliage?
Equally stunning in the garden or in pots and planters, cordyline's handsome strappy foliage comes in colours ranging from greens to reds, pinks, oranges and yellows. Look for varieties that don't form a trunk – they'll stay in a neat clump, and slowly spread.
What are cordylines used for?
Uses of cordylines. The cordyline can be planted in various ways to achieve striking effects: Mass plant for foliage effect. Excellent for adding tropical appeal. Strongly architectural, brilliant in front of a plain wall or fence. Excellent for pots and tubs.
What is a warm and cool cordyline?
Warm and cool temperate cordylines. These are generally hybrids or varieties of Cordyline australis, the New Zealand cabbage palm, so are better suited to cooler conditions. They will survive in warmer regions but may struggle with heat, humidity and high rainfall.
How to grow cordyline?
All cordyline varieties will benefit from soil improvement pre-planting. Blend through compost or composted manure, and feed with a controlled-release fertiliser.
What is a good problem solver for sun?
Ground cover plants: like a living mulch, groundcovers are awesome problem-solvers in sun or shade.
How tall is a sage?
Height: varies from 1m to 10m+ for different species forms. Foliage: long, strappy or broad, often colourful, leaves. Climate: all except arid and semi-arid (varies with variety). Soil: tolerates most soil types but does need good drainage. Position: full to part sun, or dappled shade in warmer areas.
Can cordylines grow in warm climates?
Tropical and sub-tropical cordylines are generally only suitable for warmer climates, as their parentage is mainly Cordyline fruticosa, a tropical species, but may be grown in warm micro-climates in warm temperate areas, and are often grown in cooler areas as indoor plants. Warm and cool temperate cordylines.
How to keep cordyline leaves from rotting?
To prevent this, you will need to protect the leaves by wrapping the plants with a thick course of horticultural fleece. To do this, make sure that the cordylines are dry before wrapping to make sure no moisture is present , causing the leaves to rot.
How to grow cordylines?
Plant your cordylines you will need to make sure that the plant in a 50% mix of multipurpose compost with 50% horticultural grit to make a free-draining growing media. Make sure it is placed in the centre and the plant is firmed in. You will need to make sure the growing media is regularly watered and that it is moist at all times but never soggy. To avoid the build-up of harmful salts, you will need to periodically wash the compost to remove them.
What is the color of Cordyline australis?
Cordyline australis have broad green leaves that grow a thick trunk and in summer they bear white flowers. There are several varieties that can be grown, the following are recommended:
How to remove dead leaves from cordyline?
This can be done by either pulling the leaves away from the trunk or by cutting off these dead leaves. Do not worry as cordylines will produce new leaves from the remaining trunk or even from the ground.
Can cordylines survive in the UK?
Most cordylines are hardy to minus 5 degrees Celsius and so will survive most UK winters, unless you live in a cold area of the British Isles. This is why it is best to grow cordylines in pots, especially if you in cold regions of the UK, where they can be moved to the protection of a greenhouse or be covered with horticultural fleece.
Can cordyline be grown in containers?
It is such a bold and handsome shrub that slowly grows into a tree-like plant. The cordylines are grown for their single trunk or multiple trunks who are to pped with dense tufts of long, colourful, leathery leaves that can be variegated.
When to remove fleece from a sage?
Once the weather starts to warm up in early March, you can remove the fleece and soon the plant will spring back to life.
What is a Cordyline Red Sister?
Cordyline Red Sister: The Hawaiian Ti plant, or Red Ti, is recognizable for its dark green and deep pink leaves and was commonly called the good luck plant. The Red Ti thrives best in tropical climates with regular watering and moist soil when planted outdoors.
What is cordyline plant?
What Is Cordyline? Cordyline ( Cordyline fruticosa ), also known as the Ti plant, grows leathery, spear-shaped leaves in a variety of colors. The leaves of the evergreen shrub can be green, red, yellow, white, purple, or purplish-red. Some varieties of the cordyline plant bloom white, pink, or lavender flowers with berries in the early summer.
What is the best way to plant cordyline?
There are a few things to know before planting cordyline in your home or back garden. Find sunlight: Whether you’re outdoors or planting cordyline inside, the sun is the first consideration. The outdoor cordyline plant needs full sun while the indoor cordyline varieties need a bright spot, but not direct sunlight.
What pests are on cordyline?
Cordyline plants are subject to pests like plant scale, spider mites, and mealybugs at the base of the plant. Spray the cordyline every week or so with an insecticide in order to curb the pests. The water you use might affect cordyline as well.
How big does a red star plant get?
It only grows up to 3 feet with no trunk and its green leaves look like grass to the untrained eye. Cordyline Australis: The Red Star plant has large, pointed red leaves that arrange in a circle as well as white flowers that bloom in early summer.
How to propagate cordyline?
To propagate cordyline, you simply need to cut 3- to 5-inch sections from the stems of a mature cordyline. Then, prune the leaves from the cutting and place them in a layer of sand. The eyes of the stems will then grow shoots. When the shoots have at least four leaves, you can repot them.
Where does cordyline grow?
The cordyline plant is native to southeast Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands.
How long do they take to reach their full size?
This depends on the variety you have because different varieties have varied characteristics. It may take a Cordyline an estimated three to four years to form bark and up to 20 years to fully mature and reach its eventual height. Prune the plant to help it rejuvenate it when you notice the foliage and blooms are not quite what they used to be.
How do you assist Cordylines in growing optimally?
Cordylines are easy-going plants that require very little maintenance as long as they get water and nutrients from the soil. Regardless of the variety you want to cultivate, you should know the perfect conditions for Cordylines to thrive. This is so that you can get the most out of them or even reduce their size so they become much more manageable.
How to stop a Cordyline growing too large
If you feel that your Cordyline is growing too tall, you can reduce its height through pruning. Cordylines respond well to hard pruning; therefore, you can cut the plant back closer to the ground if necessary or by whatever height you want to reduce them by.
What is preventing your Cordyline from growing?
Sometimes, unfortunately, plants are unable to reach their optimal growth or flower. These are often down to various issues that may spring up. To ensure that your Cordyline prospers it is vital you take note of the list below;
My 2 cents
If you are looking for taller Cordyline varieties, you would do well with varieties such as the Cordyline australis and Cordyline indivisa.
How long does it take for a cordyline to grow?
Remember that it can take around four years for a stem cutting to achieve an acceptable size and 15 to 20 years for a cordyline to form a trunk and grow into a tree. If you plan to add a cordyline in your garden, there are several reputable sources, ...
What is cordyline shrub?
Cordyline is a bold and striking shrub that steadily develops a tree-like structure. It imparts a dramatic and exotic element with its attractive shape, either forming a single trunk or multiple stems with dense clusters of narrow, elongated leathery leaves.
How cold does cordyline get in winter?
Although cordylines have an exotic appearance, they are hardy plants and can endure the winter outside in temperate areas or sheltered spaces outdoors with winter temperatures to around –5 degrees Celsius.
Where to put cordyline in yard?
Cordylines also work best in the corners of your patio or indoors in your living room. Cordyline is a bold and striking shrub that steadily develops a tree-like structure.
How to prevent pots from leaking?
The best way to prevent this is to position pots on gravel or elevate them off the ground so that any leftover water will freely drain away.
Why wrap a plant in a humid climate?
Wrap the plant during harsh and humid weather to avoid holding moisture under the covering, leading to rot.
Why do my sage leaves turn yellow?
In most cases, the lower leaves turn yellow and die off to reveal the growing trunk and must be pulled out gently or trimmed off. When you have one in the ground, it’s usually tolerant of drought once it establishes itself, but you should water new plants during dry spells on their first growing season.
How to propagate Cordyline?
Propagating ti is typically done with cuttings. Cut 3- to 5-inch pieces from mature stems and remove all of the leaves. Lay the pieces in a damp mixture of sand and perlite, and keep in a room that's at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit .
What zone do you plant cordyline?
Cordyline, or ti, are common decorative plants that thrive outdoors in hardiness zones 9-12 but also make excellent houseplants. The name Cordyline originates from Greek; the word kordyle, meaning "club," is a reference to ...
How to tell the difference between dracaena and cordyline?
Cordyline and dracaena plants are often confused because they look alike with nearly identical spikey leaves. You can tell the difference by the color roots. Cordyline plants have white roots and dracaena have orange roots. 2
Why are my cordyline leaves turning yellow?
But, if your cordyline's leaves are turning yellow, it may also mean it has a watering issue or it's getting too much sunlight. It needs indirect bright light rather than harsh rays directly on the leaves.
What zone do cordyline plants grow in?
Potting and Repotting. Overwintering. Common Pests. Back to Top. Cordyline, or ti, are common decorative plants that thrive outdoors in hardiness zones 9-12 but also make excellent houseplants. The name Cordyline originates from Greek; the word kordyle, meaning "club," is a reference to the plant's enlarged underground stems. ...
What does cordyline mean?
The name Cordyline originates from Greek; the word kordyle, meaning "club," is a reference to the plant's enlarged underground stems. Cordyline typically has leathery leaves shaped like a spear or lance with a variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, white, purple, and purplish-red. Caring for these plants indoors is simple ...
How tall should cordyline be?
A mature, well-trimmed plant should have stems of various heights, up to 3-4 feet, and be clothed in leaves to the soil level. Over time, cordylines tend toward legginess so you will want to trim back individual stems in a staggered pattern.
