Cordyline australis aka Cabbage Palm

Taxonomy ID: 1085

Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage tree, tī kōuka, or cabbage-palm, is a widely branched monocot tree native to New Zealand. It can reach heights of up to 20 meters (66 feet) with a sturdy trunk and long sword-like leaves clustered at the branch tips, measuring up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in length. This tree is a distinctive feature of the New Zealand landscape, with its tall, straight trunk and dense, rounded heads. It is commonly found across a wide latitudinal range, from the far north of the North Island to the south of the South Island. The cabbage tree grows in various habitats, including forest margins, river banks, and open areas, and is abundant near swamps. In addition to its natural significance, the cabbage tree holds cultural importance to the Māori people, who refer to it as tī kōuka. They utilized the tree for various purposes, such as a food source, textile fiber for clothing and accessories, and for making ropes and baskets. Due to its hardiness and fast growth, it is widely planted in New Zealand gardens, parks, and streets, with numerous cultivars available. Outside of New Zealand, the cabbage tree is grown as an ornamental tree in countries with maritime climates in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. It is known as the Torbay palm or Torquay palm in these regions. However, it does not thrive in hot tropical climates. In these areas, it is an erect, sparsely branched evergreen tree that can reach heights of 6 meters (20 feet). It produces dark burgundy sword-shaped leaves up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) long at the branch tips. During the summer, mature trees produce dense clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers up to 1 meter (3 feet) long. Overall, Cordyline australis, with its striking appearance and cultural significance, remains a notable tree both in its native New Zealand and in other parts of the world where it is grown for its ornamental value.

Common names

Cabbage Palm, Cabbage Tree, New Zealand Cabbagetree, Cabbagetree, Fountain Dracaena

More information about Cabbage Palm

How difficult is it to take care of Cabbage Palm

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Cabbage Palm due to its easy-going nature.

What is the region of origin of Cabbage Palm

Cabbage Palm’s native range is Western Pacific.

What are the water needs for Cabbage Palm

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

What is the right soil for Cabbage Palm

Cabbage Palm 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Cabbage Palm

To ensure optimal growth, the Cabbage Palm prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

What's the right humidity for Cabbage Palm

The Cabbage Palm is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Cabbage Palm

The Cabbage Palm should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Cabbage Palm toxic to humans/pets?

Cabbage Palm is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

What's the dormancy for Cabbage Palm

During the wintertime, it's common for Cabbage Palm to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

More info:
Wikipedia