Cordyline fruticosa, Hawaiian spinach
Cordyline fruticosa
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Cordyline
- Species
- Cordyline fruticosa
Other names:Dracaena ferrea, Convallaria fruticosa, Asparagus terminalis, Cordyline terminalis, Terminalis fruticosa
Cordyline fruticosa has more than just decorative foliage. In Australia and the Pacific Islands, where it is native, “Hawaiian spinach” is believed to possess magical properties. This plant from the Asparagaceae family is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
How can you recognize Cordyline fruticosa, also known as Hawaiian spinach?
Cordyline fruticosa grows up to five meters tall in the wild. When grown in a pot indoors, it typically reaches a height of two meters. It is an upright shrub.
The stems emerge from a rhizomatous base. Woody at the base, they form a slender, sparsely branched trunk in mature plants. As with palm trees, the trunk bears leaf scars. These marks are left by the leaves as they fall.
The lanceolate leaf blades measure between 30 and 50 centimeters long by 2 to 10 centimeters wide. Green in the botanical variety, the leaves are variegated in cordyline 'Kiwi' and very dark in cordyline 'Purple compacta'
In summer, the blooms enhance this colorful foliage. White, lilac, or red flowers bloom in panicles. They give off a fragrance that is a reminder of the scent of lilies.
The flowers then give rise to red berries, which contain the seeds.
While the tubers of Cordyline fruticosa are edible when prepared, the plant is slightly toxic to animals. Hawaiian spinach contains saponins, substances that cause digestive upset if ingested.
Our care tips
The Cordylines fruticosa like the sun. But they can't stand the hottest rays. Variegated varieties are particularly sensitive. Keep this in mind when setting up your plant in its final location.
Watering
Water the base of your Cordyline fruticosa when the soil has dried by about three centimetres. Your plant likes rainwater, but will also tolerate mains water.
Don't let water stagnate in the planter or saucer. It will rot the roots.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Cordyline fruticosa to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot larger than the root ball. Choose a terracotta model. This material optimizes drainage and limits the risk of root rot in the event of excess water.
Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel.
Then add a layer of universal or Mediterranean potting soil. Plant your Cordyline fruticosa in the center. Fill in with substrate. Do not bury the collar.
Tamp and water to remove air bubbles. You can mulch the base with a mineral material to keep the soil cool.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Place compost at the foot of your Cordyline fruticosa.
Prune
Using a clean, sharp pruning shears, remove the wilted leaves.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a spot sheltered from the wind. The location should be sunny. However, if you live in a region where the sun is scorching in the summer, avoid a south-facing location.
While the root ball of your Cordyline fruticosa is soaking, dig a hole three times as large. Line the bottom with river sand, pebbles, or gravel to improve drainage.
Mix equal parts garden soil and all-purpose potting mix. Add a layer of this substrate.
Plant your tree. The root ball should be level with the ground, and the root collar should not be buried. Fill in the hole with your mixture of potting mix and garden soil.
Water generously and mulch around the base with crushed slate or gravel. This mineral mulch keeps the soil cool in summer and protects it from the cold in winter.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Using your hands or a clean, sharp tool, separate one of the shoots that has formed at the base of the plant. Choose a young shoot with roots.
Plant your cutting in a pierced pot lined with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Spray the substrate with non-calcareous water.
The graft takes better in a stifled environment. Cover the plant with a translucent plastic bag or cloche.
Place your young plant in a bright room where the temperature is between 20 and 25°.
The appearance of new leaves indicates that your cutting is taking root.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Shrub
- Tag
- Beginner
- Origin
- Oceania
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenRedRoseVioletCream
- Flower colors
- WhiteRedViolet
- Fruit color
- Red
Discover plants from the same family
Cordyline 'Kiwi'
Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'
Cordyline 'Purple compacta'
Cordyline fructiosa ‘Purple compacta’
Cordyline australe
Cordyline australis
Cordyline 'Red Star'
Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
