Cordyline indivisa aka Blue Dracaena
Taxonomy
Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, Bush Flax, or Tōī in the Māori language, is a rare monocot tree native to New Zealand. It is part of the Asparagus family and can be identified by its woody trunks and broad green-gray leaves spreading out over it. It can get quite tall and stands at a maximum of 26.2 feet (8 m). As a houseplant, it thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and needs regular watering. Soil also needs to be well-draining, and your Cabbage Tree won't need additional fertilizers if it is repotted every time it doubles in size. It is considered an exotic and exciting plant, and will give your home an ocean resort vibe!
Common names
Blue Dracaena, Mountain Cabbage Tree, Spike DracaenaHow to care for Blue Dracaena
Difficulty
Caring for Blue Dracaena is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Blue Dracaena should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Blue Dracaena 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 Blue Dracaena 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.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Blue Dracaena to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Blue Dracaena. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Blue Dracaena should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Blue Dracaena’s native range is Western Pacific.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Cordyline Genus
Cordyline stricta Narrow Leaf Palm Lily
Cordyline mauritiana
Cordyline petiolaris Broad Leaved Palm Lily
Cordyline australis Cabbage Palm
Cordyline indivisa Blue Dracaena
Cordyline banksii Ti Ngahere
Cordyline fruticosa Broadleaf Palm Lily
