Cordyline Fruticosa Lighting & Position

Indoors Cordyline Fruticosa will do best with lots of bright light! Often a nice dose of direct sun will keep them extra happy – especially the colourful variegated forms. Outdoors, they will do well in a sheltered spot with dappled light but in the Tropics can handle more direct sun.

Cordyline Fruticosa Watering

It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Try watering once or twice a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn’t in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water.

With all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots.

Cordyline Fruticosa Humidity

Cordyline do best with a moderate level of ambient humidity. Keep them clear of heaters and aircon – this dries out the air and can quickly damage their leaves. Some tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray or if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your rainforest friends!

N.b. misting with a spray bottle will only improve humidity temporarily, and if done excessively can lead to fungal issues. Misting should only be done occasionally and is most effective as part of your leaf cleaning routine (mist and then gently wipe leaves with a cloth to clear away dust from the leaf surface)

Cordyline Fruticosa Fertiliser

Feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the warm, growing period and not at all over the cooler winter months.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Cordyline Fruticosa Extra Tips

Once a month you can wipe down the plants leaves using a damp cloth to clean away any dust that has collected and may be preventing the leaves from breathing. It’s completely normal for older leaves, lower down on the stem of the plant, to fade in colour and brown off as they age. Prune off any damaged or dying leaves using a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs so that the plant can put more energy into the newer, healthier growth.

Cordyline Fruticosa Toxicity

While people may eat cooked parts of it, the ti plant is classified as toxic to dogs by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If Fido nibbles on this tropical plant, he could experience vomiting, drooling, depression and a lack of appetite.