Can Cordyline Grow Indoors? Complete Indoor Care Guide

Yes — cordylines can be grown indoors successfully if you provide them with the right light, watering, and fertiliser. These vibrant foliage plants, known for their colourful leaves, are usually grown outdoors in Australia but also adapt well to life inside. To thrive, indoor cordylines need bright indirect light, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20. Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for cordylines indoors.

Light and Positioning Indoors

Cordylines are tropical and need plenty of natural light indoors. Place them near a bright east- or north-facing window where they’ll receive soft morning sun but be protected from harsh afternoon rays. Dark corners or heavily shaded rooms can cause leaves to lose colour and growth to stall.

Choose a spot with bright, indirect light — filtered light is ideal.
Avoid placing cordylines directly against cold windows in winter.
If your home is dim, supplement with a grow light to maintain leaf vibrancy.

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Watering, Humidity, and Feeding

Indoor cordylines prefer soil that stays slightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to stress the plant, leading to yellowing or root rot. At the same time, letting the soil dry out completely will cause browning leaf tips.

Watering: Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil feels dry. Always empty saucers beneath pots to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity: Cordylines benefit from higher humidity indoors. Mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a pebble tray with water.
Fertiliser: Apply a balanced fertiliser such as NPK 20-20-20 every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer to support lush foliage and healthy root growth.

Common Indoor Cordyline Problems

Cordylines indoors are more protected than outdoor plants, but they can still show stress signs if their care isn’t quite right:

Brown tips: Usually from underwatering or low humidity.
Yellow leaves: Often from overwatering or poor drainage.
Pests: Mealybugs or scale can appear; wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use a mild insecticidal spray if needed.
Loss of colour: Insufficient light is the most common cause indoors.

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Indoor Cordyline FAQs

Can cordylines survive indoors long term?
Yes. With good light and regular feeding, cordylines can live indoors for many years as a colourful feature plant.

How often should I water an indoor cordyline?
About once a week in warm months, less in winter — but always check the soil moisture first.

Do cordylines need misting indoors?
While not essential, occasional misting or using a humidity tray prevents dry leaf tips in air-conditioned or heated homes.

What is the best fertiliser for indoor cordylines?
Use a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 during the active growing season. This ensures steady leaf colour, root health, and resilience indoors.

Growing cordylines indoors is not only possible but rewarding. With the right care — bright light, proper watering, higher humidity, and a balanced feeding schedule — they bring vibrant, tropical foliage into any room of the house.