Cordyline stricta in pot

Credit: William Coville

Cordyline stricta in bloom

Credit: Kenneth Parker

Purple flowers Coryline stricta

Credit: Grey Smith

Coryline stricta in the ground

Credit: Lewis

Black fruit Cordyline stricta

Credit: James K. Douch

Cordyline stricta, a cordyline with thin leaves

Cordyline stricta is a plant of the Aspargaceae family native to eastern Australia. While other species are distinguished by their broad or colorful leaves, Cordyline stricta prefers to focus on its graphic appearance.

How to recognize Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta is an upright tree. In the wild, it can reach a height of five meters. In pots and in our latitudes, its growth is more modest.

The plant has a woody trunk. The lower part of the trunk is marked. These are the leaf scars left by the limbs when they fall off.

The trunk is topped by a crown of dark green leaves. Smaller than those of cordyline indivisa, they are only 30 to 50 centimetres long and one to two centimetres wide.

North of the equator, flowering takes place between June and August. It consists of purple flowers grouped in panicles.

The fruits are purple or black berries. They do not exceed two centimetres in diameter.

Cordyline stricta is slightly toxic to animals if ingested. It contains saponins and calcium oxalate crystals that can cause digestive problems. Keep it out of reach of your dog and cat!

Our maintenance tips

Cordylines stricta 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 stricta 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 stricta 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 stricta 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.

During the growing season, feed your Cordyline stricta with a green plant fertilizer.

You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Put compost at the foot of your Cordyline stricta to stimulate its growth.

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 stricta 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.

After a few years, young shoots appear at the base. With a sharp knife, dig up one of these "babies", also removing its 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 stricta - Cordyline stricta
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Interior
Tag	Beginner
Origin	Oceania
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit colors