Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Cabbage palm dying?

chris.m.eveschris.m.eves Posts: 2
edited June 2021 in Problem solving
Hello - I've become quite concerned that the Cordyline Australia (cabbage palm) in my garden is dying. The leaves are yellow tipped and the bottom ones are dying off completely. I've been told that this can been a normal feature of growth and just to pull off the lower leaves as they yellow - but the die back at the bottom has been getting larger. Any advice would be very much appreciated! It's also possible misidentified the plant, as this is my first garden and it came with the palm planted already.




Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hi there, don't be too worried, the top part of your plant looks quite healthy.  The yellowing and browning on the lower leaves can be caused by stress such as exposure to cold wind, hail and winter wet - and we've had a bit of this! Cordylines can also be affected by drought and heat stress in summer.  You can help your plant recover by removing the yellowing/browning leaves with a sharp pair of secateurs, as close to the stem as possible without damaging it.  Then apply an organic fertiliser such as blood fish and bone or seaweed extract and keep it well watered during hot spells.  A mulch of bark chippings or compost will also help to preserve moisture.  In really cold winters you may need to provide protection with horticultural fleece.  This link from GW should help you: How to Grow Cordyline - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine (gardenersworld.com)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's the normal habit for them to drop lower foliage, creating a  longer trunk. Nothing to worry about  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.