Red Star Cordyline Plant Care

Red Star Cordyline (Astronidium fraternum) belongs to the Melastomataceae family within the Astronidium genus. Red Star Cordyline is native to the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Red Star Cordyline is also known as Cordyline fruticosa.

Red Star Cordyline displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Red Star Cordyline produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Star Cordyline every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Star Cordyline thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red Star Cordyline in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Astronidium fraternum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Red Star Cordyline prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Red Star Cordyline to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Star Cordyline every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Star Cordyline is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Star Cordyline can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Red Star Cordyline while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Red Star Cordyline is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Star Cordyline can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none known plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Star Cordyline is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Star Cordyline grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Red Star Cordyline is native to the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Red Star Cordyline as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.