The Essential Guide To The Cordyline
Botanical Name: Cordyline fruticosa
Common Name: Ti Plant, Cordyline
General Knowledge: The Cordyline plant, specifically the Cordyline fruticosa variety, is originally from Southeast Asia and the Pacific, thriving in the humid and warm conditions of these regions. It’s widely utilised in both outdoor and indoor settings for its vibrant and colourful foliage, adding a tropical touch to gardens and homes. A fun fact about the Cordyline is that in some cultures, it’s believed to bring good luck, and is often planted in homes and gardens for its supposed protective properties.
Colour Range: The Cordyline plant boasts a wide variety of colours, often brightly coloured, with many cultivars and forms available. Popular varieties include dark green leaves with bright pink edges, variegated red/pink, variegated green/cream, and pink/brown. The variation in colours allows for a versatile use in floral arrangements.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Cordyline is available all year round in Australia, sourced from both local growers and imports.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Its year-round availability makes Cordyline a great option for weddings and events throughout the entire year in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes
Imported into Australia: Yes
Buying Tips: When purchasing Cordyline, look for leaves that are clean and undamaged. Avoid leaves with brown markings as this may indicate cold damage or that the product is aged. Stems that have been held for too long will appear slimy and darkened.
Design Tips and Advice: Cordyline leaves are well-suited for contemporary designs and can be grouped together effectively. The leaves can be folded for use in bouquets and arrangements and are valuable for colour blocking in both large and small designs.
Flower Maturity: Ensure that the Cordyline leaves are at the right stage of maturity when purchasing to guarantee the best quality.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, Cordyline leaves can last between 10 to 20 days in a vase.
Typical Leaf Length: The leaves of Cordyline can reach up to 60 cm in length and 8-10 cm in width.
Typical Bunch Size: 10 stems per bunch
Floral Preservatives: Yes, it is beneficial to use floral preservatives to extend the vase life of Cordyline leaves.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Unknown. As the sensitivity to ethylene for Cordyline is not well known, it’s best to take precautions and keep them away from fruits and other ethylene-producing products.
Temperature Requirements: Cordyline is chilling sensitive and should be held at a temperature between 12-15 °C in fresh clean water.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure Cordyline leaves are kept at the correct temperature to prevent chilling damage. Regularly change the water and keep the leaves in a clean environment to avoid any potential problems.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Cordyline does not require cool storage and should be kept at a warmer temperature to avoid chilling damage.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Make sure to provide fresh, clean water for Cordyline leaves, and use a floral preservative to enhance their vase life.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: As the ethylene sensitivity of Cordyline is unknown, take precautions to keep them away from ethylene-producing products to ensure their longevity.