Cordyline banksii aka Ti Ngahere

Taxonomy

Cordyline banksii, also known as the Forest Cabbage Tree or tī ngahere, is a monocot tree endemic to New Zealand. It is a graceful, evergreen, multi-stemmed, palm-like tree or shrub with long, upright, pointed leaves. The foliage is variegated with reddish-brown central stripes and creamy-yellow margins. This tree is found in coastal and lowland scrub, rocky banks, dense bush, and bush margins, as well as on higher forested slopes up to 1000m elevation. While not rare, it is not frequently seen in the wild, making a chance encounter with Cordyline banksii a joy for those exploring the New Zealand bush. In cultivation, it is relatively rare and less well-known compared to the more familiar Cordyline australis. The leaves of Cordyline banksii are longer and broader in the middle section, tapering at both ends, with a distinctive midrib. They are held in a graceful arching manner, giving them a less spiky and more tropical appearance. While younger plants have a wider spread due to longer leaf spans, the overall plant is smaller and more delicate, with slender trunks that are less robust than Cordyline australis. Multiple stems are typical, although single stems can also be seen.

Common names

Ti Ngahere

How to care for Ti Ngahere

Difficulty

Caring for Ti Ngahere is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Ti Ngahere 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Ti Ngahere prefers bright indirect 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.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Ti Ngahere does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Ti Ngahere should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Ti Ngahere’s native range is Western Pacific.


More info:
Wikipedia