Description
Cordyline is one of the best-known houseplants with ornamental foliage. In the wild cordylines grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia and Africa. It is an interesting plant with long, sword-shaped leaves forming plumes at the top of the stem. Mature plants produce inconspicuous white or yellow flowers in panicles. The leaves are up to 60 cm long and about 5 cm wide, with a thick midrib. The plants grow fairly large for indoor conditions.
Requirements
Plants with dark green leaves need less light, while those with leaves of other colours need good light, but should be protected from direct sun in summer. Cordylines like a fairly high temperature in winter – 18–21°C. In summer it should not exceed 24°C, but high air humidity is essential. Draughts turn the leaves brown. In dry air the plants usually lose their lower leaves.
Propagation
Cordylines are propagated from tip cuttings or from stem sections about 8 cm long, taken in early spring and rooted in pots at about 24°C, covered with film.
Care
The position for cordyline should be fairly light and warm, but without direct sun. In winter the optimum temperature for some types is between 8 and 12°C. They respond well to misting, but it is not essential. Water fairly generously in summer and less in winter. It is important that no water is left standing in the saucer after watering, as this can rot the roots. During strong growth, feeding with a fertiliser for yuccas and dracaenas is recommended. Use humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil. Repot young plants every year, usually in spring. Repot older plants less often, into slightly larger containers.
When plants get sick
Browning leaves – caused by lack of water or draughts.
Mealybugs – recognised by white cottony tufts in the leaf axils. Rub the affected parts with a cotton bud soaked in methylated spirit, then rinse the leaves with water.
Before you buy
When buying, choose a plant with well-coloured leaves, without brown spots or dry tips.
Average lifespan: – a well-cared-for plant lives for many years.
Difficulty of care: – cordylines are fairly easy to grow; indoors they usually reach 30–60 cm.