What to Feed Cordyline Plants – Fertiliser Guide

Cordylines need regular feeding to maintain their colourful foliage and strong growth. The best plant food for cordylines is a balanced fertiliser that provides equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A complete fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 supplies the nutrients cordylines need for vibrant leaves, healthy roots, and resilience against stress. Feed every 3–4 weeks during the active growing season for the best results.

What Nutrients Do Cordylines Need?

Cordylines are foliage plants, so their nutrition should focus on steady, balanced growth rather than just flowers or fruit. Each nutrient plays an important role:

Nitrogen (N): Promotes lush green growth and healthy new leaves.
Phosphorus (P): Strengthens root systems, helping plants recover from stress or pruning.
Potassium (K): Enhances foliage colour and builds resilience against pests, diseases, and climate stress.
Calcium & Magnesium: Support strong cell structure and leaf colour intensity, especially in variegated or red cordyline varieties.

A fertiliser like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 provides all of these in a water-soluble form, making it easy for cordylines to absorb nutrients through their roots and leaves.

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Best Fertiliser and Feeding Schedule for Cordylines

Cordylines are not heavy feeders, but they do perform best with consistent nutrition. Overfeeding can damage roots, while underfeeding leads to pale or yellowing leaves. Follow these feeding guidelines for strong, colourful growth:

Spring & Summer: Feed every 3–4 weeks with a liquid fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20.
Autumn: Reduce feeding to every 6 weeks as growth slows.
Winter: Stop or feed sparingly, as plants enter dormancy and require less nutrition.
Potted Cordylines: Feed more regularly, as nutrients leach from pots faster than garden beds.
Newly Planted Cordylines: Wait 4–6 weeks before fertilising to avoid stressing young roots.

Always water well after feeding to prevent fertiliser burn. For a quick boost, dilute fertiliser slightly and apply as a foliar spray directly to the leaves.

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Cordyline Feeding FAQs

What is the best fertiliser for cordyline plants?
A balanced fertiliser like NPK 20-20-20 provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts — ideal for cordylines.

Can I use slow-release fertiliser on cordylines?
Yes, but liquid fertilisers are preferred for faster uptake and better control of feeding frequency.

How often should I feed a cordyline?
Every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer, less often in autumn, and rarely in winter.

Do indoor cordylines need feeding?
Yes. Indoor cordylines benefit from monthly feeding with a balanced fertiliser to prevent pale leaves and weak growth.

Can overfeeding damage cordylines?
Yes. Too much fertiliser can cause leaf burn or salt build-up. Always follow recommended dilution rates.

Feeding cordylines correctly is the key to vibrant, healthy plants. With regular applications of CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20, your cordylines will maintain strong roots, colourful foliage, and resilience against stress year-round.