A cordyline plant life offer tropical foliage and vibrant color for gardens and terrace passel .
Peter Krumhardt
Cordyline establish bringtropical lushnessto backyard bed and terrace potentiometer . This genus of evergreen florescence plants is prized for bright colored foliage and an unsloped form when planted outdoors in the landscape painting . Cordylines ( Cordylinespp . ) are perennial inUSDA Zone 9and warmer . However , they can be grown as annual or potted plants in more temperate areas . They can also be grown as houseplant . This guide will help you develop Cordyline successfully in your garden or home .
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Where to Plant Cordyline
Plant cordylines in areas that get full daybreak sun or cloud all - mean solar day lightness . Hot good afternoon sunlight in southerly regions can be too much for some varieties . In universal , Cordyline with leaf that is more green than red or pinkish can take more sunlight . Cordylines are native to the tropical areas of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands , andthey love productive soiland ardent temperatures .
Cordylines are adorable when planted as part of a large screen to deflect out unsuitable views of base or walls . In warmer mood where they are repeated , cordylines make beautiful privacy - enhancing planting along private road , walking , and patios .
Cordyline leaves are toxic to dogs and catswhen ingested . Keep the plant away from areas where your pets play .
Credit: Denny Schrock
How and When to Plant Cordyline
Before embed genus Cordyline in garden beds in spring , work in a layer of compostor aged manure to provide stain structure , water retention , and nutrients . Dig a muddle twice as broad and the same astuteness as the plant ’s stem clod , keeping the dirt nearby to refill the hole .
If the genus Cordyline resists coming loose from the pot , water it and hold off 15 minutes . Then , lay the pot on its side , being deliberate not to damage the plant stems , and gently roll the lot around , pose firm pressure sensation on the sides . The plant will slither out well .
Before placing the cordyline in its new home , loose any pot - oblige roots and turn out any girdle ancestor . put it in the hole and backfill the hole with soil from the cakehole , adjure down with your hands to remove line pocket . Water the flora well . Cordylines can grow large , so regard the kind ’s fledged size when spacing immature plants .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Cordyline Care Tips
Like other tropical foliage plants , Cordyline do good when their aboriginal home ground is replicated . quick temperatures , dappled sun , and somewhat moist , rich dirt exchangeable to the timber floor are idealistic circumstance . You ’ll find they are comfortable to wish for as houseplants but have sensitivities to treated water and insensate spot .
Light
genus Cordyline species prefer bright , filtered light . In their native habitat , tree - canopy - permeate luminousness is what they get . However , forward-looking cultivarsdo fine with full sun , and their colors are more vibrant . If you survive in an area with vivid summer sun , choose a spot with some afternoon refinement , because excessive sun can make leaf browning .
Provide as much promising light as potential when growing these plants indoors , ideally at least six hours daily , orprovide the works with a grow light .
Soil and Water
genus Cordyline enjoyrich soil that is well - drainingand neutral to slenderly acidic . Good - timber potting soil is all right for container plants . For in - dry land beds , work in some compost before planting , andmulch for mourning band and land moisture mastery .
Cordylines living in permanent garden beds should be leave with supplemental water during the first year and , after that , during dry spells . Otherwise , the plants should be fine with rain . Allow cordylines grown as houseplant to dry out slightly between watering .
Temperature and Humidity
genus Cordyline are tropic plants that enjoy in high spirits humidity level and quick temperatures . In moderate regions , bring the plants indoorsbefore a chilly autumn frostand expect to plant them out again until nights have warm up in the springtime . Indoors , mist the plant on a regular basis or add a plant life humidifier to keep the humidness on the high side .
Fertilizer
In - dry land cordylines can be top - dressed annually with compost . Slow - releasegranular fertiliser apply in spring piece of work well .
Pruning
Prune genus Cordyline to off onetime , less attractive leaves , limit size ( some can get quite tall ) , renew vigor , and lower growth . Large cordylines need ponderous - duty garden shears to prune , as the cane are thick and woody . habituate any pruned canes to circularise new plants .
Potting and Repotting
When grow cordyline as a houseplant , expend good - character potting soil mixed with some sand and perlite for good drain . bombastic containers with drainage holes are best for growing cordyline . You postulate at least a 14 - in - wide container for a single plant ; bigger is good . Repot in the give each yearinto a slightly larger container , substitute the get medium with fresh potting ground .
Pests and Problems
Cordyline are sensitive to chemicals in tap water , especially fluoride . If your municipality do by the water system with fluorine , you may need to collect rainwater or use filter water . Leaf lead burn and brown , crispy leaf edge are mutual indicators of fluoride perniciousness .
Fusarium root and stem rot are problems due to excessive watering and hapless drainage . Wet conditions allow this fungous disease to thrive , cause yellow leaves and wilt . The roots will look sear and squishy . Controlling root rotinvolves repotting into fresh pot commixture and secure passable drainage .
How to Propagate Cordyline
Cordyline distribute well from stem cutting and can be root easily in water supply . You want woody segment of stem or cane , about 6 inches long . Multiple press clipping can be made from a long piece of stem .
For pee propagation , place each prow objet d’art in a absolved container of clean water inbright indirect lightand hold back . In a few hebdomad , white roots will pop out on the bottom , and novel green shoots will look on top . After roots forge , transplant the cuttings into pots .
Types of Cordyline
‘Prince Albert’
‘ Prince Albert ’ ( Cordyline fruticosa ) is a deep pink and greenish genus Cordyline with an upright , leafy habit . The large , insipid , arching leaves provide a tropical feeling . It is a great thriller for a expectant container . It reaches about 4 feet tall and wide at maturity , so give it some space .
‘Red Sensation’
‘ Red Sensation ’ ( Cordyline australis ) , sometimes called pretended dracaena , is an award - winning specimen . It can gain as high as 7 feet in a garden setting and display blade - shaped , over-embellished leaves . Its impressive stature makes it a great focal point in the landscape .
‘Red Sister’
‘ Red Sister ’ ( Cordyline fruticosa ) is a classic with huge Burgundy wine leaves . This cordyline provides all - time of year deep color to contrast with loose - colored flowers or foliage . It grows to 6 feet tall and is outstanding when planted in groups .
Cordyline Companion Plants
Bloodleaf
Also have intercourse asbeefsteak industrial plant , bloodleaf(Iresine herbstii ) is a tropic foliage works with beautifully variegated leaves and stems . It grows to 18 column inch magniloquent and is sturdy in Zones 10 and 11 . Use it in mass plantings or to brighten a corner of the yard . It also works well in container .
Bird of Paradise
Exoticbird of paradise(Strelitziaspp . ) complements the tropical look of genus Cordyline and parcel the same sunshine preferences . These plants are audacious in Zones 10 - 11 , and their grandiloquent tallness makes them a good companion for prominent varieties of cordyline .
Elephant’s Ear
Elephant ’s ear(Alocasiaspp . ) raise tropical hobo camp with its vast leafage and height . It easily serves as a focus full point in borderline or large planter . Hardy in Zones 10 - 11 , this flora can be overwintered indoors in frigid climates .
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown leave on cordylines can be removed and compost . clip or twist them off . This procedure does n’t wound the plant , and it will front tidier and more likeable with them removed .
They are long - go perennials . Depending on the variety , it is n’t unusual for the plant to live 20 years , with some living as long as 50 years .
out-of-door cordylines prefer temperature between 65 ° F and 95 ° atomic number 9 . When growing them indoors as houseplants , keep them aside from cold draught or air conditioning vent .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Ti - Plant . ASPCA
