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Cordyline fruticosa
Cordyline fruticosa · Asparagaceae
📷 Cliff · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cordyline fruticosa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Cordyline, Indoor Dragon Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen, colorful (red, pink, purple, green depending on variety)
- Flowering
- Summer, small white or pink flowers in panicles
- Adult size
- 1 to 2 m in a pot, up to 3 m in the ground
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very tender, 10-12 °C minimum
- Origin
- South Pacific (Polynesia, Australia)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining potting soil, slightly acidic
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez régulièrement mais laissez sécher légèrement entre deux apports : le substrat ne doit jamais rester détrempé. En intérieur, vaporisez le feuillage 2-3 fois par semaine, car l'air sec fait brunir les extrémités des feuilles bien plus sûrement que tout autre facteur.
The common mistake
La majorité des jardiniers tue leur Cordyline en l'arrosant trop, surtout en hiver : l'excès d'eau provoque rapidement le pourrissement des racines, et la plante ne s'en remet presque jamais.
The pro's trick
Pincez régulièrement les jeunes tiges pour forcer la ramification latérale ; sans cela, vous obtenez une tige unique et dégarnissante. Une Cordyline bien ramifiée remplit beaucoup mieux l'espace et reste compact.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, réduisez drastiquement l'arrosage et vérifiez l'hygrométrie : l'air chauffé des maisons dessèche le feuillage. C'est la période où les cochenilles et araignées rouges s'installent—inspectez le revers des feuilles chaque semaine dès novembre.
Care
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering. Preferably use non-calcareous or filtered water. Let it dry slightly between waterings if the temperature drops.
Light and exposure
Place it in bright, indirect or semi-direct light. Varieties with colored foliage need more light to retain their hues. Avoid direct scorching sun which can fade the colors. It also tolerates partial shade but loses color intensity.
Soil and repotting
Use indoor plant potting soil enriched with compost, with good drainage (add sand or clay pellets). Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole.
Fertilizer
Fertilize from April to September with a balanced diluted fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Reduce applications in fall and stop in winter. Excess nitrogen promotes green foliage at the expense of colors: prefer a potassium-rich feed.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove yellow or damaged leaves as they appear. Cut the top to encourage branching and a denser shape. Remove faded flower clusters. Regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to optimize photosynthesis.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects in dry environments. Increase humidity with regular misting. Excess moisture in the soil causes root rot: ensure impeccable drainage. Immediately isolate any affected plant to prevent contamination.
Did you know?
Cordyline fruticosa is revered in Polynesia as a sacred plant and symbol of spiritual protection. Inhabitants plant cordylines around their homes to ward off evil spirits. Its colorful leaves have inspired countless horticultural selections, transforming an ancestral plant into a decorated star of modern interiors.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.