The Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is an eyecatching plant known for its vibrant reddish-bronze colored leaves. With its tropical look, it makes a great addition to gardens, patios and indoors. While relatively easy to care for, there are some key things you need to know to keep your Cordyline ‘Red Star’ healthy and looking its best. In this complete guide, I’ll share tips on watering, sunlight, soil, fertilizing, pruning, propagation and overwintering care for Cordyline ‘Red Star’.
Overview of Cordyline ‘Red Star’
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is a compact variety of Cordyline australis, commonly known as cabbage palm. It has arching, narrow leaves that emerge reddish-bronze and mature to dark burgundy. The long, colorful leaves sprout off of a central stalk in dense clusters. In summer, Cordyline ‘Red Star’ produces panicles of sweetly fragrant, small white flowers which attract bees. It can grow up to 3m tall and 2m wide.
Ideal Growing Conditions
For your Cordyline ‘Red Star’ to thrive provide these ideal growing conditions
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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade Needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is preferable.
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Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.1-7.8.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Drought tolerant once established.
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Temperature: Prefers warm weather. Not frost hardy. Ideal range is 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Watering Your Cordyline
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ prefers moist, well-drained soil. The top few inches of soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. During summer, you may need to water every 2-4 days especially if in full sun and pots. Reduce frequency in winter.
Signs your Cordyline needs water
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Soil feels dry when touched
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Leaves appear dull, limp or wilted
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Leaf tips turn brown
Water until it drains freely from the drainage holes. For potted plants, tip the pot to drain excess water.
Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain freely.
Sunlight Needs
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun daily to maintain its vibrant leaf coloration. Morning sun is ideal. With too little light, leaves will fade to green.
In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Dappled sun through a tree canopy is suitable.
When growing indoors, place Cordyline near a sunny window. Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides get light.
Soil Requirements
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.1-7.8. Good drainage is key.
Add organic matter like compost or manure to improve moisture retention and nutrients. In pots, use a quality potting mix amended with compost.
Test drainage by digging a hole 12″ deep, filling with water, and checking if water drains in 5-10 minutes. Improve drainage in clay soils by mixing in organic material.
Fertilizer
Feed your Cordyline 1-2 times per month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow release granules. This encourages new growth and lush foliage. Stop fertilizing after September.
Patio containers should be fed weekly. Use controlled release fertilizer added to the soil or apply liquid feed regularly.
Signs your Cordyline needs fertilizer:
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Slow growth
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Pale leaves
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Leaf tips turn brown
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Few new leaves
Avoid overfertilizing which can burn roots or leaves.
Pruning Cordyline
Prune Cordyline ‘Red Star’ in spring to remove dead leaves and stems and shape the plant. Cut back any leggy growth or stems that rub together.
Use clean, sharpened pruners or loppers. Make cuts just above leaf nodes or buds. Remove old flower stalks.
After pruning, fertilize to encourage new growth. Moderate pruning can be done year round. Avoid pruning in fall to give time for new growth before winter.
Propagating Cordyline ‘Red Star’
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ can be easily propagated from divisions, stem cuttings or seed:
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Divisions: Divide in early spring when repotting rootbound plants. Gently tease apart suckers and rhizomes. Replant divisions in pots.
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Stem cuttings: Take 5-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep warm and moist until rooted.
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Seed: Sow fresh seeds in pots indoors. Cover lightly with mix. Germination takes 14-21 days at 65°F (18°C). Grow on until ready to transplant.
Overwintering Care
Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is semi-hardy and can tolerate light frosts but needs winter protection in cold climates below 25°F (-4°C).
For in-ground plants, mound soil or mulch around the base for insulation. Wrap the crown in burlap. Surround with a wire cage and fill with leaves or straw.
Potted plants should be moved indoors or to a greenhouse before frost. Place near a sunny window. Limit watering in winter.
With protection, Cordyline will reshoot in spring even if it experiences dieback. Cut away any damaged growth.
Common Problems
Cordyline is susceptible to:
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Mealybugs – Treat with insecticidal soap. Keep plants healthy.
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Root rot – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Improve drainage.
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Leaf scorch – Provide shade in afternoon sun. Mist leaves.
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Leaf spots – Apply appropriate fungicide if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Wilting/drooping leaves – Check for under or overwatering. Provide support.
With its tropical look, Cordyline ‘Red Star’ makes a striking accent plant in the garden or containers. Follow this guide for the ideal growing conditions and care it needs. Place in full sun, keep the soil moist but well-drained and fertilize regularly for best growth. Shelter from cold winter winds and move indoors or protect if frost is expected. With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with this beautiful plant for years to come.
Cordyline ‘Red star’ and wildlife
Cordyline ‘Red star’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Taxonomy Scientific name
Cordyline australis Red Star needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
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Cordyline – Houseplant of the week
FAQ
Should I cut the brown leaves off my cordyline?
If the brown leaves are located at the bottom of the plant and are old, it is normal for them to turn brown and dry out. These leaves can be cut off to tidy up the plant and promote new growth.
Does red Star cordyline come back every year?
Cordyline is a grass-like plant. Where temperatures get colder than 15 degrees F, the plants should be treated as annuals. Once the grass turns brown it can either be removed immediately or removed in the spring. It should not be expected to live through the winter and begin growing again in the spring.
Do red Cordylines like sun or shade?
Plant in average, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Cordylines are hardy to Zone 8 (10°F). In colder climates, they can be overwintered indoors.
Why is my cordyline red star dying?
If the leaves on your cordyline are turning a crispy brown then underwatering might be the culprit, but if they’re turning dark brown and mushy then it might …