How to Grow and Care for a Palm Lily

The palm lily, most commonly Cordyline australis, is a popular ornamental plant also known as the Cabbage Tree. Native to New Zealand, it is not a true palm or lily but a member of the Asparagaceae family. This plant features striking, sword-like leaves that cluster at the tips of its branches. Mature specimens develop a cane-like trunk, giving it a tree-like appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens and containers.

Palm Lily Care Guide

Light

When planted outdoors, the palm lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. Green-leafed varieties are more tolerant of direct sunlight, while cultivars with colored foliage like ‘Red Star’ prefer some protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. For indoor cultivation, a bright location is necessary, such as near a sunny window. However, direct, unfiltered sunlight should be avoided for variegated types.

Soil

Cordyline australis requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. For container planting, use a quality potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. When planting in a garden, ensure the area does not collect water; creating a slight mound can help. While it tolerates a range of soil types, providing organically rich soil will support more robust growth.

Water

Outdoor plants, once established, are quite drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture during warm months. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering as they dry out faster. Water when the top 25-50% of the soil feels dry, soaking the soil thoroughly and letting the excess drain away. During winter, the plant’s water needs are significantly reduced.

Temperature and Humidity

Cordyline australis is a temperate plant that is hardy in mild climates and can tolerate light frosts, with some cultivars hardy to about 20°F. In colder regions, it is grown as an annual or brought indoors for the winter. When kept as a houseplant, it prefers temperatures between 65-85°F and benefits from high humidity. This can be provided by a humidifier or regular misting, though the ‘Red Star’ variety is an exception that prefers a drier climate.

Fertilizer

The palm lily does not have heavy feeding requirements, and ground-planted specimens may not need any fertilizer. Container plants benefit from feeding during the growing season from spring through summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied once a month. Feeding should be suspended during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning helps manage the plant’s size and shape. You can remove old, tired-looking lower leaves, which should pull off easily to tidy the plant’s appearance. More significant pruning can be done in mid-spring to control height or rejuvenate a leggy plant. Cut the main stem at any desired height, and new shoots will emerge from just below the cut.

Container-grown specimens need to be repotted every two to three years, or when they become root-bound. Signs that a plant needs a new pot include roots growing through the drainage holes or slowed growth. The best time to repot is in the spring. Choose a new pot that is about two inches larger in diameter than the current one and has adequate drainage holes. When repotting, you can trim away any dead or rotting roots before placing the plant in its new container with fresh soil.

How to Propagate a Palm Lily

Creating new palm lily plants is most commonly achieved through cuttings in spring or summer. One method is taking a top cutting, which is the leafy head of the plant with about 4-8 inches of clear stem below it. This “head” can be planted directly into moist soil to form new roots.

Another approach is to use sections of the main stem. After removing the top, cut the remaining trunk into 6-inch sections and place them horizontally on a moist potting medium or plant them vertically. Keep all cuttings in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture until new growth develops. While Cordyline australis can be grown from seed, it is a much slower process.

Common Palm Lily Problems

One of the most frequent issues on palm lilies is browning leaf tips, which can be caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fluoride in tap water. Using filtered water may help. The loss of lower leaves is natural, but excessive leaf drop could signal overwatering or root rot. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Pet owners should know that Cordyline australis is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Ingestion can cause symptoms like vomiting and depression.