Image: AI generated
Cabbage Tree Plant Care
Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking deep burgundy foliage that resembles a starburst, this plant hails from New Zealand and is a favorite among plant collectors for its unique color and tropical appearance. The Cordyline australis 'Red Star' adds a dramatic touch to any garden or indoor space, making it a sought-after addition for those looking to make a statement with their plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Cabbage Tree?
Water Cabbage Tree every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Cabbage Tree Native To?
What Is the Cabbage Tree?
Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis 'Red Star') belongs to the family. Cabbage Tree is native to New Zealand, Australia.
Cabbage Tree displays an upright, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cabbage Tree produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cabbage Tree?
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cabbage Tree Need?
Cabbage Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cabbage Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cabbage Tree Prefer?
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Cabbage Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cabbage Tree?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Cabbage Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cabbage Tree?
Feed Cabbage Tree every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cabbage Tree?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cabbage Tree?
Cabbage Tree can be propagated through cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ti plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cabbage Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cabbage Tree?
Cabbage Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cabbage Tree Need?
Cabbage Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cabbage Tree is native to New Zealand, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Cabbage Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cabbage Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cordyline genus — compare its care with other Cordyline species on PlantoScan.
Cabbage Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cordyline australis 'Red Star' — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Cabbage Tree is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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