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Cordyline Help

stannataylorstannataylor Posts: 8
in Problem solving
Hi Just been given a Cordyline red,  well I think that's what it is please correct me if am wrong. Anyway I just wanted some advice as it looks like the lower half of the leaves are slightly dying (different colour and bent over) and not sure if pot is too small. Please have a look at pictures and let me know what you think, go easy  on me as this is my first plant I've had and a total novice 

Thanks Stan

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @stannataylor - not to worry. That's the normal growth habit of a Cordyline  :)
    The lower leaves die back as more are produced at the top, and it then means there's a longer trunk.
    Once those bottom ones are completely dead, you can remove them by just cutting them right off at the trunk .   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stannataylorstannataylor Posts: 8
    Thanks Fairygirl, do you think pot is big enough too
  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    If you wait until they are ready, grab the leaf near to where it joins the stem and firmly tug straight downwards. If the leaf is "ready", it will pull away from the trunk. Over time this will give you the nice flat trunk look cordylines can have. Alternatively cut them like @Fairygirl says and you'll get more of the tropical palm tree look.
  • stannataylorstannataylor Posts: 8
    Thanks for advise everyone, just one more if I bed it in a bigger pot what it the best soil or compost for it (Sorry not sure what its called)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The OP may not have a suitable spot in their garden  :)
    They can grow quite readily in pots. I'd agree with @philippasmith2 that a bigger one would be better next year.
    A soil based medium is what you need for anything that's staying potted. You can mix that with some compost too. If you go to a GC, you'll get a John Innes compost which has loam in it. There are various ones, so just pick the most suitable. You can also add some grit if you want, as they prefer good drainage.  If the pot is sitting on a hard surface, put it up on some feet, as that also helps   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stannataylorstannataylor Posts: 8
    Thats great thanks for all your advice. off to garden centre tomorrow so see how I get on
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