Cordyline aka Cordyline

Taxonomy

Cordyline is a genus of woody monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. Native to the western Pacific Ocean region, including New Zealand, eastern Australia, southeastern Asia, Polynesia, and southeastern South America, Cordyline is known for its erect evergreen trees and arching, sword-shaped leaves. The name Cordyline is derived from the Greek word "kordyle," meaning "club," which refers to the enlarged underground stems or rhizomes. One species, Cordyline australis, can grow up to 20 meters tall with a stout trunk and slender unbranched stem. It produces clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers in dense panicles and has sword-shaped leaves with parallel veins. Cordyline is a versatile plant, suitable for containers when young and can become an architectural tree when mature.

Common names

Cordyline, Broadsword Cabbage Tree, Mocha Latte Ti Plant, Cordyline 'Chocolate Queen'

How to care for Cordyline

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Cordyline, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Cordyline should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cordyline loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cordyline requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cordyline 'Chocolate Queen' is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Cordyline does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Cordyline has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Cordyline’s native range is Western Pacific.


More info:
Wikipedia