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Cordyline Australis

bruceter1bruceter1 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi, my Cordyline seems to be doing ok but it is developing a very slim waist just where the trunk meets the fronds. The plant is 3 years old and in a fairly large pot outside for its size. I am worried it may snap off so have staked it but wonder if I should Earth it up to the narrow part. Any advice appreciated. 
Thanks in advance,
Bruceter.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    They do naturally shed their bottom leaves and grow from the top so you will get bare stems.  Earthing up will just encourage rotting but planting around to disguise the bare stems will be fine.   Its common name is cabbage palm 

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4361/Cordyline-australis/Details 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • bruceter1bruceter1 Posts: 4
    bruceter1 said:
    Hi, my Cordyline seems to be doing ok but it is developing a very slim waist just where the trunk meets the fronds. The plant is 3 years old and in a fairly large pot outside for its size. I am worried it may snap off so have staked it but wonder if I should Earth it up to the narrow part. Any advice appreciated. 
    Thanks in advance,
    Bruceter.
    The leaves are not falling off. It is the stem which is shrinking down in diameter right where the fronds start.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Too dry?   Diseased?  Has it been stressed by too much heat or cold in the last few months?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • bruceter1bruceter1 Posts: 4
    Not too dry, but late frosts this year may have had some effect. Lost all fruit blossoms so this temp drop could have contributed. Plant otherwise looks healthy and green.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    That's probably it then.  They're not that hardy so a late frost when their sap is already flowing could be the problem.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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