How to grow Cordyline fruticosa? Detailed growing methods and precautions
Cordyline fruticosa, also known as Zhu Zhu, Tieliancao, Hongtieshu and so on, is an upright shrub plant of the genus Cordyline in the family Agavaceae (Asparagaceae), distributed in the tropical regions of southern China and used for garden cultivation. It has a beautiful plant shape and gorgeous, elegant colors. As a potted plant it is suitable for indoor decoration, adorning living rooms and windowsills, elegant and unique, with good ornamental value. Let us take a look together at the growing methods and precautions for Cordyline fruticosa!
Growth habits of Cordyline fruticosa
The place of origin of Cordyline fruticosa is unknown, and it is now widely cultivated in the warm regions of Asia. It likes a high-temperature, humid climate and is a semi-shade plant; it can neither endure the scorching sun of northern regions, nor does it do well in fully shaded places where the leaves easily turn yellow. It is not cold-tolerant. Except in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and other places, it is only suitable for potted ornamental cultivation in greenhouses. It requires acidic soil rich in humus and with good drainage, and avoids alkaline soil; when planted in alkaline soil the leaves easily turn yellow and the new leaves lose their color. It is not drought-tolerant.
Propagation methods of Cordyline fruticosa
1. Cuttings: In April to May, cut off the top of the branches of Cordyline fruticosa and plant them horizontally or upright in sandy soil. Under conditions of 25-30°C, roots can develop in about 1 month, and when the shoots are 10 cm tall they can be transplanted into pots.
2. Sowing: The seeds of Cordyline fruticosa mature in September. The seeds are relatively large and are usually sown by the spot method in shallow pots. The suitable germination temperature is 24-27°C. They germinate 2 weeks after sowing, and when the seedlings are 4-5 cm tall they are transplanted into 4 cm flower pots.
3. Layering: In May to June, select a robust main stem of Cordyline fruticosa, at 20 cm from the top, carry out ring barking, cover with moist moss and wrap with plastic film, keep the room temperature at 20°C, and roots will develop after about 40 days.
Growing methods for Cordyline fruticosa
1. Soil: Cordyline fruticosa likes acidic soil, and should be grown using a mixed culture soil containing peat soil.
2. Light: The growing environment of Cordyline fruticosa needs sunlight, but the light should not be excessive.
3. Humidity: For Cordyline fruticosa, pay attention to changes in air humidity in summer, and water the plant twice a day.
4. Fertilizing: Cordyline fruticosa prefers fertilizer; during the peak growing season apply a thin liquid fertilizer or compound flower fertilizer once every half month.
5. Watering: Cordyline fruticosa is relatively sensitive to moisture, so during the growing period the potting soil must be kept moist.
6. Pruning: For Cordyline fruticosa, pay attention to pruning in early spring to promote branching and spreading, making the whole plant full and lush.
Precautions for Cordyline fruticosa
1. The suitable growing temperature for Cordyline fruticosa is 20-25°C; in summer it can be 25-30°C during the day, and in winter the nighttime temperature is 7-10°C. It cannot go below 4°C; some varieties can tolerate a low temperature of 0°C, which shows that Cordyline fruticosa has fairly strong adaptability.
2. Lack of water in Cordyline fruticosa easily causes leaf drop, but too much water or water accumulation in the pot likewise causes leaf drop or yellowing of leaf tips. During the growing period of stems and leaves, water should be sprayed frequently, with an air humidity of 50-60% being more suitable.
3. Cordyline fruticosa has fairly strong adaptability to light; short periods of strong light or longer periods of semi-shade have little effect on its growth. Proper shading at noon in summer and reducing light intensity are extremely beneficial to leaf growth.
4. The growing soil for Cordyline fruticosa is preferably fertile, loose sandy loam with good drainage, and it is not tolerant of saline-alkaline or acidic soil. For potting, a mixed soil of leaf mold or peat soil with culture soil and coarse sand is commonly used.