The Red Sister cordyline is a wonderfully colorful plant that makes a bold statement in any garden. This evergreen shrub is a cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa and is admired for its vivid reddish-pink foliage. With the right care this tropical plant can thrive indoors or outdoors to add striking color to your space.
Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, the Red Sister cordyline is often called Ti plant, good luck plant, or Hawaiian Ti plant. It’s an upright, clump-forming plant in the Asparagaceae family.
This is a selected variety of the species, specially cultivated for its dramatic foliage. The long, sword-shaped leaves emerge hot pink in spring and mature to a burgundy red color with darker red striping. When grown in its preferred environment, this plant can reach mature heights of 10 feet tall and spread 3-4 feet wide.
Growing Conditions for Red Sister Cordyline
To keep your Red Sister cordyline looking its best, provide the following care:
Sunlight
Red Sister thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. Some direct morning sun is tolerable. When grown outside, it does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sun will burn the leaves.
Temperature
This tropical plant grows well with average room temperatures between 60-80°F. Keep it away from cold drafts. It can be moved outdoors in zones 9-12. Protect it from frost and freezing temperatures.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let it become completely dry. Water less in winter when growth slows. The plant enjoys humid conditions, so mist the leaves regularly or use a pebble tray.
Soil
Use a quality potting mix or loamy, well-draining soil. Maintain a pH between 6.0-6.5. Re-pot every 2-3 years in a container slightly larger than the current one.
Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months during spring and summer. Outdoor plants can be fertilized with a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
Displaying Red Sister Cordyline
Thanks to its upright habit and tolerance for shade, Red Sister cordyline works well in flower beds and foundation plantings. It also looks striking when grown in containers on a patio or deck. Plant it alone or combine it with smaller plants like impatiens or coleus.
Indoors, place this easy-care plant in a bright spot away from drafts. The vivid colors will add a dramatic pop of color and tropical flair.
Propagating Red Sister Cordyline
You can propagate new Red Sister plants from seeds, stem cuttings, or air layering:
-
Seeds – Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before planting. Germination takes 1-3 months. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle.
-
Cuttings – Take 3-5 inch tip cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep the soil moist until roots form.
-
Air layering – Remove a ring of bark up to an inch wide from a stem. Wrap this section with sphagnum moss and plastic. New roots will form in 4-8 weeks. Cut below the roots and plant.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Red Sister cordyline is quite hardy, but watch for these potential issues:
-
Drooping leaves – This can be a sign of under watering. Check soil moisture and water appropriately.
-
Leaf scorch – Dry brown edges or spots indicate too much sun. Move to a shadier location.
-
Pests – Mealybugs, scales, and spider mites may occasionally be a problem. Wipe them away with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or use organic insecticidal soap.
-
Diseases – Prevent fungal issues like blight or leaf spot by providing good air circulation. Remove affected leaves and treat with neem oil.
With the proper care, the Red Sister cordyline will thrive for years of enjoyment. Just be sure to meet its sunlight, water, humidity, and temperature preferences. Good luck growing this sensational plant!
How to fertilize Cordyline ‘Red Sister’
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Cordyline Red Sister after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Cordyline Red Sister prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Cordyline Red Sister requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Cordyline Red Sister is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Cordyline Red Sister is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Cordyline Red Sister doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Cordyline Red Sister does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Cordyline Red Sister should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Cordyline Red Sister is native to Western Pacific.
USDA Hardiness Zone Cordyline Red Sister can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Cordyline Red Sister, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Cordyline ‘Red Sister’ in your home
Cordyline Red Sister love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Cordyline Red Sister does not tolerate low-light .
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Cordyline Red Sister in your home .
New plants for free! How to prune cordyline Ti plants and propagate cuttings.
FAQ
How do you take care of a red sister Cordyline?
Cordyline ‘Red Sister’ is relatively easy to care for. It thrives in zones 9-11 and prefers partial shade to full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining and keep it consistently moist without overwatering. Regular fertilization with a balanced 6-2-4 fertilizer is recommended during the growing season.
What problems can Cordyline Red’s sister have?
- Overwatering: Can cause yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
- Underwatering: Leads to wilting, dry leaves, and crispy edges.
- Root Rot: Excessive moisture can lead to fungal infections that damage the roots.
Do red Cordylines like full sun?
Cordyline rubra thrives in partial to full shade, although it can tolerate some sun in cooler climates.
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.