Cabbage Tree Plant Care

Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Cordyline genus. Cabbage Tree is native to New Zealand. Cabbage Tree is also known as Torbay Palm.

Cabbage Tree displays an upright, branched growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cabbage Tree produces white, fragrant, branched inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cabbage Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cabbage Tree thrives in full sun.

Cordyline australis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cabbage Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Cabbage Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cabbage Tree every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 full sun and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cabbage Tree is suited to USDA Zone 8b – 11b.

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

Cabbage Tree can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cabbage Tree 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 tree in one year.

Cabbage Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 8b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Cabbage Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ti plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cabbage Tree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Cabbage Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Cabbage Tree is native to New Zealand.