Looking to add a splash of excitement and flair to your garden? Look no further than the magnificent Cabbage Tree - also known as Cordyline australis 'red sensation'! With its wider, spikier burgundy foliage that is distinct from the cordyline red star and remains vibrant and lush all year round. This evergreen perennial palm-like tree, also known as the cabbage tree or sometimes also referred to as the cabbage palm, is like the rockstar of the cordyline genus.
This cordyline plant is so versatile that you can grow it in containers on your patio or even bring it indoors for some serious potted plant glamour. It unleashes stunning white flowers with an enchanting fragrance during the late spring to summer that will have both you and the buzzing bees weak at the knees. But wait, there's more!
Hailing from New Zealand, this Cordyline's narrow sword-like leaves bring an unmatched style and structure to any landscape, serving as nature's very own fashion statement. With its deep burgundy-red color, this plant oozes richness without any fuss or hassle of dealing with delicate flowers.
Just sit back and let its intense hues with more purple coloration that captivate your senses throughout every season. Traditional medicine uses red cordyline plant leaves for wounds, headaches, and respiratory infections, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; consult a healthcare expert for proper dosage. It is a friendly succulent for both humans and pets.
Standing tall at 20 feet high and spreading outwards from 10 feet wide, this slow-growing evergreen tree knows how to make an entrance!
Watering Needs
Watering your Cordyline Australis can be a bit of a tricky task. But fear not! With just the right amount of patience and care, you'll have this beauty thriving in no time. As with all succulents, resist the urge to constantly douse it with water like it's a thirsty marathon runner. Instead, give it some slow and deep hydration only after the soil has completely dried out - think desert rainfall rather than monsoon season.
And don't even think about watering from overhead unless you want your cordyline plant to feel like it's caught in an unexpected rainstorm (spoiler alert: that's not good). When winter rolls around and your plant begins to go semi-dormant (hey, we've all been there), hold off on watering altogether unless those leaves start rolling up like they're trying to do some yoga poses.
Then give them only a little sip of water so they can stay hydrated without getting too bloated and uncomfortable. You got this!
Light Requirements
This vibrant cabbage tree palm beauty prefers to bask in at least six hours of bright, indirect light but isn't afraid to soak up some rays in sunny areas. The key is to keep it compact and maintain those gorgeous burgundy leaves. But beware, too much sun can lead to burns, so make sure you gradually increase exposure or bring it indoors, near a window that receives bright, indirect light during a heatwave.
If the cordyline plant is exposed to full sun for long periods of time, the leaves may become scorched and develop brown spots or patches. This can happen because the plant is not able to handle the intense heat and light of the full sun, and the leaves may dry out or become damaged. It is best to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer climates, to prevent this from happening.
And if your cordyline red isn't getting enough light, it'll start stretching toward its source. So, let's give your red sensation cordyline what it deserves - just the right amount of light to bloom into the ultimate showstopper!
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
Use well-drained soil that is designed specifically for your succulent. These specialty soil mixes have been precisely developed to imitate well-draining desert soils. Commercial cactus soil is affordable and available online or at Home Depot. We believe the best option is to use our specialty succulent potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. If you don't mind getting a bit of dirt on your hands and are okay with a basic soil for your red sensation cordyline, then you can save some money and make your own mix by simply combing healthy natural garden soil with equal parts of sand or perlite.
When it comes to fertilizing red cordyline, remember that less is more. A small amount of natural fertilizer with an NPK equal ratio of 5-10-5 once a year in spring will do wonders for your plant's health and growth. Using a natural fertilizer ensures that other beneficial compounds and microbes are added to the soil, without the use of harsh chemicals. Show your Cordyline australis some love with awesome natural fertilizer and watch it thrive.
Hardiness Zones & More
These cordyline varieties thrive in warm and humid conditions - think tropical paradise vibes! Keep them happy with temperatures ranging from 60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but don't let them shiver below 50.
While household humidity is generally good enough, these adorable Cordyline australis will do even better with some extra moisture in the air. Set up a humidifier nearby or grow them in naturally humid rooms like your bathroom or kitchen.
If you live in USDA hardiness zone 9-11, lucky you - you can grow these cuties outdoors all year long!
Give this succulent Cordyline australis, a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!
| Bloom Season | Late spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cordyline 'Red sensation' |
| Common Name | Cabbage tree |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Cordyline |
| Growth Habit | Palm-tree |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 20 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide |
| Native Area | New Zealand, Argentina |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings, division |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialty succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Deep bungundy foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to cats, friendly to dogs |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Features
Looking to add a splash of excitement and flair to your garden? Look no further than the magnificent Cabbage Tree - also known as Cordyline australis 'red sensation'! With its wider, spikier burgundy foliage that is distinct from the cordyline red star and remains vibrant and lush all year round. This evergreen perennial palm-like tree, also known as the cabbage tree or sometimes also referred to as the cabbage palm, is like the rockstar of the cordyline genus.
This cordyline plant is so versatile that you can grow it in containers on your patio or even bring it indoors for some serious potted plant glamour. It unleashes stunning white flowers with an enchanting fragrance during the late spring to summer that will have both you and the buzzing bees weak at the knees. But wait, there's more!
Hailing from New Zealand, this Cordyline's narrow sword-like leaves bring an unmatched style and structure to any landscape, serving as nature's very own fashion statement. With its deep burgundy-red color, this plant oozes richness without any fuss or hassle of dealing with delicate flowers.
Just sit back and let its intense hues with more purple coloration that captivate your senses throughout every season. Traditional medicine uses red cordyline plant leaves for wounds, headaches, and respiratory infections, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; consult a healthcare expert for proper dosage. It is a friendly succulent for both humans and pets.
Standing tall at 20 feet high and spreading outwards from 10 feet wide, this slow-growing evergreen tree knows how to make an entrance!
Watering Needs
Watering your Cordyline Australis can be a bit of a tricky task. But fear not! With just the right amount of patience and care, you'll have this beauty thriving in no time. As with all succulents, resist the urge to constantly douse it with water like it's a thirsty marathon runner. Instead, give it some slow and deep hydration only after the soil has completely dried out - think desert rainfall rather than monsoon season.
And don't even think about watering from overhead unless you want your cordyline plant to feel like it's caught in an unexpected rainstorm (spoiler alert: that's not good). When winter rolls around and your plant begins to go semi-dormant (hey, we've all been there), hold off on watering altogether unless those leaves start rolling up like they're trying to do some yoga poses.
Then give them only a little sip of water so they can stay hydrated without getting too bloated and uncomfortable. You got this!
Light Requirements
This vibrant cabbage tree palm beauty prefers to bask in at least six hours of bright, indirect light but isn't afraid to soak up some rays in sunny areas. The key is to keep it compact and maintain those gorgeous burgundy leaves. But beware, too much sun can lead to burns, so make sure you gradually increase exposure or bring it indoors, near a window that receives bright, indirect light during a heatwave.
If the cordyline plant is exposed to full sun for long periods of time, the leaves may become scorched and develop brown spots or patches. This can happen because the plant is not able to handle the intense heat and light of the full sun, and the leaves may dry out or become damaged. It is best to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer climates, to prevent this from happening.
And if your cordyline red isn't getting enough light, it'll start stretching toward its source. So, let's give your red sensation cordyline what it deserves - just the right amount of light to bloom into the ultimate showstopper!
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
Use well-drained soil that is designed specifically for your succulent. These specialty soil mixes have been precisely developed to imitate well-draining desert soils. Commercial cactus soil is affordable and available online or at Home Depot. We believe the best option is to use our specialty succulent potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. If you don't mind getting a bit of dirt on your hands and are okay with a basic soil for your red sensation cordyline, then you can save some money and make your own mix by simply combing healthy natural garden soil with equal parts of sand or perlite.
When it comes to fertilizing red cordyline, remember that less is more. A small amount of natural fertilizer with an NPK equal ratio of 5-10-5 once a year in spring will do wonders for your plant's health and growth. Using a natural fertilizer ensures that other beneficial compounds and microbes are added to the soil, without the use of harsh chemicals. Show your Cordyline australis some love with awesome natural fertilizer and watch it thrive.
Hardiness Zones & More
These cordyline varieties thrive in warm and humid conditions - think tropical paradise vibes! Keep them happy with temperatures ranging from 60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but don't let them shiver below 50.
While household humidity is generally good enough, these adorable Cordyline australis will do even better with some extra moisture in the air. Set up a humidifier nearby or grow them in naturally humid rooms like your bathroom or kitchen.
If you live in USDA hardiness zone 9-11, lucky you - you can grow these cuties outdoors all year long!
Give this succulent Cordyline australis, a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!
| Bloom Season | Late spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cordyline 'Red sensation' |
| Common Name | Cabbage tree |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Cordyline |
| Growth Habit | Palm-tree |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 20 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide |
| Native Area | New Zealand, Argentina |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings, division |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialty succulent potting mix |
| Special Features | Deep bungundy foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to cats, friendly to dogs |
| Watering Needs | Low |