Cordyline plants are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add some color and vibrancy to your indoor or outdoor garden. Known for their striking, sword-like leaves that come in shades of green, pink, red, and purple, these tropical beauties can bring a bold pop of colour to any space. The best part? They’re relatively easy to care for! However, if you have pets, there are a few things you need to know before bringing a Cordyline into your home.
How to Care for Cordyline Plants
Light Preferences
Cordyline plants love bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Outdoors, they do best in partially shaded areas. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their colorful leaves, but too little light can cause the vibrant colors to fade.
Tip: If you’re growing Cordyline indoors, place it near a sunny window with filtered light to keep those colors looking bright and bold.
Watering Needs
These plants like to stay consistently moist, but not soggy. Water your Cordyline when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as that can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Tip: Cordyline plants are more drought-tolerant than you might think, so it’s better to underwater a bit rather than overwater.
Temperature & Humidity
Cordyline is a tropical plant, so it thrives in warm, humid environments. Ideally, keep the temperature between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They’re not frost-tolerant, so if you’re growing them outside in a cooler climate, bring them indoors during the winter.
Tip: Use a humidifier or regularly mist the leaves if your home has dry air. Cordylines love humidity!
Soil and Fertilizer
Cordyline plants prefer well-draining, loamy soil. You can use a general-purpose potting mix with added perlite or sand for better drainage. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed them with a balanced fertilizer every month.
Tip: Slow-release fertilizers work well if you don’t want to worry about frequent feeding.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning isn’t necessary for Cordyline, but if you notice dead or damaged leaves, feel free to snip them off to keep the plant looking fresh. These plants can grow tall, so trimming them back will encourage bushier growth.
Tip: Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and pests.
Health Benefits of Cordyline Plants
Like most indoor plants, Cordylines do more than just look good. Here are a few of the health perks they offer:
Air Purification
Cordyline plants help filter toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, which can be found in household products. By improving indoor air quality, they make your living space healthier.
Stress Relief
Having vibrant plants like Cordyline around can help reduce stress levels and promote a calming environment. The soothing sight of colorful foliage can boost your mood and create a more peaceful space.
Increased Humidity
Cordylines, like other tropical plants, release moisture into the air through transpiration, which can increase humidity in your home. This is great for your skin and respiratory health, especially during the drier months.
Pet Safety: Cordyline are Toxic to Pets
While Cordyline plants are beautiful, they can pose a danger to pets. Eating parts of the Cordyline plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and even depression in pets. If your pet shows any signs of illness after chewing on a Cordyline, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: To keep your pets safe, place your Cordyline plant in an area that’s out of reach for curious cats and dogs, or consider choosing a non-toxic alternative.
