Also known as Australian Cabbage-Palm · Cabbage Cordyline · Cabbage Tree
New Zealand cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) is an iconic evergreen tree with strap-like leaves and fragrant flowers, native to New Zealand.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. May require protection from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Cordyline australis prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Prune Cordyline australis to control size and shape, or to remove dead or damaged foliage. Cut back stems to encourage branching and a bushier habit. Pruning is best done in late spring or early summer.
Use clean, sharp tools for a neat cut.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or by taking stem cuttings in summer. Seeds require warm conditions to germinate. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining medium.
Both methods offer a good chance of success.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years, and mature plants less frequently, when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting is best done in spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Cordyline |
| Species | Cordyline australis |
Similar in genus Cordyline
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
