Several Cordyline fruticosa varieties

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Cordyline fruticosa pink leaves Adam Kranz

Credit: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/megachile

Cordyline fruticosa purple foliage

Credit: Gerg III Espera

Cordyline fruticosa green foliage

Credit: Nick Elme

Fruits of Cordyline fruticosa

Credit: Mauro Halpern

Cordyline fruticosa, Hawaiian spinach

Cordyline fruticosa has more than just decorative foliage. In Australia and the Pacific islands where it originated, Hawaiian spinach is said to have magical virtues. This plant of the Asparagaceae family is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

How to recognize Cordyline fruticosa, the Hawaiian spinach?

Cordyline fruticosa grows to a height of five meters in the wild. It is content to grow to a height of two meters in pots and indoors. It is an upright shrub.

The stems emerge from a rhizomatous stump. Woody at the base, they form a slender, sparsely branched trunk in mature specimens. As with palms, the trunk bears leaf scars. These marks are left by the leaves when they fall.

The lanceolate leaf blades are 30 to 50 centimetres long and two to ten centimetres wide. Green in the botanical variety, the leaves are variegated in cordyline 'Kiwi and very dark in cordyline 'Purple compacta'.

In summer, the colorful foliage is enhanced by flowering. White, lilac or red flowers bloom in panicles. They give off a fragrance reminiscent of lilies.

The flowers then give rise to red berries, which contain the seeds.

While Cordyline fruticosa tubers are edible when prepared, the plant is slightly toxic to animals. Hawaiian spinach contains saponins, a substance that causes digestive problems if ingested.

Our maintenance tips

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 is about three centimeters dry. 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

Cut dry leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Choose a location sheltered from the wind. The location must be sunny. But, if you live in a region where the sun is scorching in summer, avoid a south-facing exposure.

While the rootball of your Cordyline fruticosa is soaking, dig a hole three times as big. Line the bottom with river sand, pebbles or gravel to improve drainage.

Mix equal parts garden soil and universal potting soil. Add a layer of substrate.

Plant your plant. The rootball should be level with the ground and the collar should not be buried. Fill in with your mix of potting soil and garden soil.

Water generously and mulch with crushed slate or gravel. This mineral mulch keeps the soil cool in summer and protects it from the cold in winter.

Cutting

Cutting 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

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae
Type	Cordyline - Cordyline
Species	Cordyline fruticosa - Cordyline fruticosa
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Category	Shrub
Tag	Beginner
Origin	Oceania
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color