Cordyline australis 'Green Star'

The Cordyline australis 'Green Star', also known as the Cabbage Palm, is a fascinating plant with a rich heritage and a striking tropical appearance. Originating from the far-flung landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, this plant is part of the Asparagus family, making it related to both the Dracaena and the Yucca. What really sets the Cordyline apart is its ability to bring an exotic feel to both indoor and outdoor settings. With its long, narrow, green-striped leaves and the potential to grow to a respectable height of 100-150cm, this plant is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a source of deep-rooted culture and history.

The versatility in application makes the 'Green Star' particularly attractive. Whether placed in a decorative planter outdoors under half sun or indoors as a stylish houseplant, the Cordyline always brings a piece of the tropics closer. This, together with its moderate winter hardiness and low-maintenance character, makes it an ideal choice for lovers of exotic plants who want to give a unique twist to their garden or interior.

The Cordyline australis - Green Cabbage Palm likes a sip of water

The watering needs of the Cordyline Australis 'Green Star', also known as cabbage palm, require a careful and loving approach. This graceful plant with its dull green, striped leaves thrives best in moist soil during spring and summer. The secret lies in regularity and moderation; water regularly but avoid overwatering at once, as excess water can cause root rot—especially if water stagnates at the bottom of the pot. During the autumn and winter months, when the Cordyline is dormant, less watering is recommended.

Using a moisture meter can be extremely helpful in determining the correct humidity level for the Cordyline, so that the plant gets exactly what it needs without the risk of overwatering. Carefully maintaining this balance in watering will not only encourage growth and flowering of the plant, but also contribute to its overall health and ornamental value. Creating the correct humidity conditions mirrors the natural habitat of the Cordyline and will help this exotic creature to fully develop its tropical charm.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is upon us, the rules are reversed! If the - Green Cabbage Palm is outside, it must remain dry, so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The - Green Cabbage Palm does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the - Green Cabbage Palm with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Aside from the adverse effects of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your - Green Cabbage Palm . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Cordyline australis - Green Cabbage Palm?

The Cordyline australis 'Green Star', with its graceful, tropical appearance, thrives best in a spot where it can enjoy both sun and partial shade. The ideal location offers shelter from the burning midday sun, while still receiving enough natural light to do justice to its beautiful green leaves. This preference makes the Cordyline a versatile asset for both indoor spaces with bright, indirect light sources and outdoor gardens that are partially shaded.

In terms of temperature and humidity, the Cordyline likes a mild climate and is moderately winter-hardy. Protect the plant from severe frost by placing it indoors or by providing it with extra shelter outdoors. The plant prefers high humidity, which can be imitated by regular spraying, especially when used indoors. This not only supports the health and ornamental value of the plant, but also helps prevent pests. By paying attention to these light and climate requirements, the Cordyline australis 'Green Star' can grow into a real eye-catcher.

Light

The - Green Cabbage Palm is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where light comes in. The - Green Cabbage Palm requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure the - Green Cabbage Palm experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum 0 ℃ during the day
At night minimum 0 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

The Cordyline australis 'Green Star', known for its charming and tropical appearance, regularly needs a larger space to flourish. Repotting this plant is essential when you notice that it is outgrowing its current pot - this can often be recognized by roots coming through the drainage holes or when the plant grows out of proportion to the pot. This is usually done every two years, but always keep an eye on growth and root development.

When repotting, ideally choose a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current one, to accommodate growth without the plant experiencing too much stress. Using a good quality potting soil is crucial for the healthy further development of the Cordyline. A well-draining pot also contributes to the prevention of waterlogging and the associated root problems. This gives your Cordyline the space it deserves to continue to grow into an even more beautiful plant.

General rules

When the - Green Cabbage Palm has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always inside, it does not matter. If it is outside, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the fall and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally. This can make it somewhat weak, and it may suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your - Green Cabbage Palm, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture control. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the - Green Cabbage Palm roots optimally, and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Cordyline australis - Green Cabbage Palm with good nutrition

The Cordyline australis 'Green Star', with its tropical allure, does not require much effort in terms of nutrition, but a little extra care can certainly benefit the plant. During the growth period, which runs from spring to summer, it is advisable to treat the plant once a month to special palm food or universal houseplant food. This provides the Cordyline with the essential nutrients it needs for optimal growth and development. It is important to carefully measure the dosage according to the instructions on the packaging, because an excess of nutrition can damage the delicate root structure.

Outside the growth period, in autumn and winter, the plant is mainly dormant and extra nutrition is unnecessary. This is a time when the Cordyline can recover and prepare for the next cycle of growth and flowering. By following these simple guidelines, you ensure that your Cordyline australis 'Green Star' retains its beautiful, tropical appearance and remains an eye-catcher in your garden or living space year after year.

When the leaves change color

The leaves can get black leaf tips. This can mean that too much water has been released. Brown or yellow leaves can mean that too little water is being released. We then recommend checking this and possibly adjusting the watering. We also recommend making the plant a bit more beautiful by simply cutting off the ugly tips with scissors.

It is also possible that the - Green Cabbage Palm has been moved from a place with a lot/little light to a place with a different amount of light. This can also cause the leaves to discolour. The new leaves will be more resistant to direct sunlight.

How and when to prune the Cordyline australis - Green Cabbage Palm?

The leaves of the - Green Cabbage Palm will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Cordyline australis - Green Cabbage Palm?

Propagating Cordyline australis 'Green Star', a tropical plant with elegant green leaves, can be done by either seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, collect the seeds after the flowering period in spring and sow them in moist, well-drained soil. Patience is essential, as the germination process can take several weeks to months. Cuttings, on the other hand, are a quicker method. In late spring or early summer, take stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm long, remove the bottom leaves and place the stem in a pot with moist, nutrient-rich soil. Provide a warm environment and high humidity to encourage rooting. Both methods are rewarding and can provide the gardener with additional plants to share the beauty of this remarkable plant.