Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis

A distinctive tree-like plant with long, sword-shaped leaves, often forming a multi-stemmed trunk.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

50–70 %

How to care for your Cabbage Tree

Everything you need to keep your Cabbage Tree healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Cabbage Tree is a versatile, palm-like plant that can eventually grow into a small tree. It features strap-like leaves that form rosettes at the ends of its branches. Available in various colors, from green to bronze and purple, it adds architectural interest to gardens. It's relatively hardy, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Watering your Cabbage Tree

Every 7 days

Top watering

How to know it needs water

Top inch of soil dry
Leaves start to droop

How much light a Cabbage Tree needs

Full sun

Full Sun

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 12 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Moderate Not typically required outdoors.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 90 days

Apply in spring; avoid excessive nitrogen which can make it leggy.

Recommended feed: Balanced slow-release fertilizer · 3-1-2

Repotting your Cabbage Tree

Every 24 months

Carefully lift and repot into a larger container with well-draining soil.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots circling the pot
Stunted growth or nutrient deficiency

Pruning your Cabbage Tree

As needed Remove dead or damaged lower leaves; cut back stems to encourage branching.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
8 F
6 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
6 S
7 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Mildly toxic, can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

Good to know

Native to New Zealand, forming an important part of its natural landscape.
Can grow into a tree-like form with multiple branches and flowering stalks.

Frequently asked questions about the Cabbage Tree

How do you care for a Cabbage Tree?

Water it every 7 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Top watering

How often should you water a Cabbage Tree?

Every 7 days Top watering How to know it needs water : Top inch of soil dry ; Leaves start to droop.

How much light does a Cabbage Tree need?

Full sun Full Sun 6 to 12 h a day

Is the Cabbage Tree toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Mildly toxic, can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Cabbage Tree leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Cabbage Tree?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Carefully lift and repot into a larger container with well-draining soil.