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Cordyline fruticosa image • Photo: Author Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada• CC BY 2.0
Cordyline fruticosa is a palm-like evergreen plant growing up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall with a slender woody trunk and spirally arranged clusters of broad, elongated leaves. The leaves range from 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) long and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) wide, displaying colors from green to red and variegated patterns. It produces striking 40-60 cm (16-24 inch) panicles of small, scented yellowish to red flowers that mature into red berries. Notable for its cultural significance and ornamental foliage, it features a distinctive fan-like crown of leaves at the trunk tip.
Plant Care Overview
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Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Cordyline fruticosa
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F)
Native Climate
Native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Northern Australia, and Pacific Islands
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining, fertile soil (sandy or loamy mix)
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Cordyline fruticosa plants
Stem cuttings or rhizome division
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Northern Australia, and Pacific Islands
moderate
Up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall outdoors; smaller in containers
perennial
Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats)
Toxic parts: All parts contain saponins
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Warmer months (varies by climate)
Flower Description
Small, fragrant flowers in 40-60 cm panicles; colors range from yellowish to red. Flowers mature into glossy red berries.
Fun Fact
Ti plants were carried across Oceania by Austronesian peoples for cultural practices, including use in rituals, boundary markers, and as attire. Some sterile Polynesian cultivars were selectively bred for edible rhizomes.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Cordyline fruticosa
Fine webbing on leaves, yellow speckling, and leaf drop
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and foul-smelling soil
Brown or black spots with yellow halos on foliage
Varieties
Different varieties of Cordyline fruticosa
Large green-leafed cultivar grown primarily in eastern Polynesia
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Cordyline fruticosa
Humidity Lovers Plants Care Guide
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Flowering Plants Plants Care Guide
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Foliage Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for foliage plants plants like your Cordyline fruticosa
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Nurseries Near You
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