CORDYLINE
INFO + CARE

genus: Cordyline Comm. ex R.Br.

common name/s: ti plant, palm lily, cabbage palm (Cordyline fruticosa)

type: woody monocotyledonous flowering plants

family: Asparagaceae

native range: western Pacific Ocean region, from New Zealand, eastern Australia, southeastern Asia and Polynesia, with one species found in southeastern South America.

zone: 10 to 12

height: 3 to 10 m

spread: to 3 m

type species: Cordyline cannifolia R. Br.

bloom time: seasonal bloomer

bloom description: varies among species

sun: Part shade to full shade

water: medium

maintenance: medium

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: toxic to pets, toxic in large quantities to humans

Cordyline is a genus of about 24 species of woody monocotyledonous flowering plants in family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. The subfamily has previously been treated as a separate family Laxmanniaceae, or Lomandraceae. Some authors have placed the genus in the Agavaceae (now Agavoideae).

Cordyline is native to the western Pacific Ocean region, from New Zealand, eastern Australia, southeastern Asia and Polynesia, with one species found in southeastern South America.

Members of the group are often grown as ornamental plants - notably C. australis and C. fruticosa. Many species have been used as a foodstuff and medicine. The rhizome was roasted in an hāngi (earth oven) by Māori to extract sugar.

In the highlands of Papua New Guinea leaves of Cordyline and other plants are tied to sticks to mark taboo areas where pandanus language must be spoken during karuka harvest.

With their exotic, palm-like appearance and attractive foliage in shades of green, bronze and purple, cordylines are popular and dramatic plants. They are happiest in mild locations, especially coastal and urban gardens, needing winter protection in frost-prone areas. Young plants are often used in bedding and container displays, while tender species make striking houseplants.

The name Cordyline comes from the Greek word kordyle, meaning "club," a reference to the enlarged underground stems or rhizomes.

Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

Grown best as an accent plant in tropical climates in part shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil. Tolerant of sunnier conditions as long as soil moisture needs are met. Intolerant of salt spray and prolonged drought. Hardy in Zones 10 and above. In colder climates, grow as a houseplant or outdoors in a seasonal display. Best in a well-drained, peaty potting mixture. Plants need bright indirect light, but tolerate light shade. Avoid too much direct, afternoon sun which can lead to leaf scorch. Needs consistently moist soils from spring to fall. Does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a resting period with reduced watering from fall to late winter. The plant can be relatively easy to grow indoors as long as its high humidity needs can be met. Consider growing in humidified rooms. Requires a minimum of 18°C in winter. Plants may be grown from stem sections, commercially referred to as Ti logs, by placing the section on a bed of moist gravel until roots appear.