How to Care for a Cordyline – Complete Guide (Australis, Fruticosa & Red Sister)

Cordylines are hardy, vibrant plants loved for their colourful foliage and easy-going nature. They grow well in gardens across Australia and can also adapt to life indoors. To care for a cordyline, provide bright light, well-draining soil, moderate watering, and regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20. With proper care, cordylines reward gardeners with year-round colour and resilient growth. Below is a complete guide to caring for different cordyline varieties, indoors and outdoors.

General Cordyline Care Basics

All cordylines, whether in pots or the garden, thrive under similar growing conditions. Paying attention to light, water, soil, and nutrition ensures they remain healthy and vibrant.

Light: Place cordylines in bright light. Outdoors, they prefer full sun to part shade. Indoors, choose a spot near a sunny window with indirect light.
Soil: Use free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Raised beds or pots with drainage holes prevent waterlogging.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil feels dry.
Fertiliser: Feed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to support strong roots and colourful leaves.
Pruning: Remove damaged or old leaves at the base. Cut back tall stems if needed to encourage new shoots.

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Cordyline Varieties and Their Care

Different cordyline species have slightly different growing preferences, though all benefit from consistent watering, well-draining soil, and balanced feeding.

Cordyline Australis (Cabbage Tree)

This hardy outdoor variety grows into a small tree with long, strappy leaves. It tolerates full sun and wind, making it a popular feature plant in Australian gardens.

Water deeply once or twice a week in hot weather, less in winter.
Feed with balanced fertiliser to support growth and leaf colour.
Prune old leaves and cut back trunks to encourage fresh shoots.

Cordyline Fruticosa (Ti Plant)

Known for its colourful pink, red, and purple leaves, this tropical cordyline prefers warm, humid conditions. It grows best in part shade and benefits from shelter from wind.

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture.
Mist leaves or use a humidity tray in dry climates.
Feed monthly with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to keep foliage vibrant.

Cordyline Red Sister

A striking variety of Cordyline fruticosa, the Red Sister is popular for its vivid red and burgundy foliage. It grows well in pots, courtyards, and indoors in bright light.

Position in filtered sunlight indoors or part shade outdoors.
Water when the soil surface begins to dry, ensuring good drainage.
Feed regularly with a balanced fertiliser to maintain leaf colour intensity.

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Cordyline Indoor Care & Seasonal Maintenance

Cordylines can also thrive indoors if given the right care. Place them near a bright window, water moderately, and raise humidity if the air is dry. Outdoors, adjust watering with the seasons — more during hot summers, less in winter. Regular feeding during active growth ensures they remain colourful and resilient.

Cordyline Care FAQs

How often should I water a cordyline?
Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil feels dry. Outdoors in summer this may be once or twice a week, indoors every 7–10 days.

Can cordylines grow indoors?
Yes, provided they receive bright indirect light, moderate watering, and regular feeding.

What fertiliser is best for cordylines?
A balanced NPK fertiliser like CompleteGrow 20-20-20 supports root health, foliage colour, and overall growth.

Do cordylines need pruning?
Yes. Trim off dead leaves and cut back tall stems to encourage bushy regrowth.

With consistent watering, bright light, and a balanced feeding schedule, cordylines remain one of the most rewarding foliage plants for Australian gardens and homes. Whether you grow australis, fruticosa, or the striking Red Sister, these plants respond quickly to good care.