Red Cabbage Tree Plant Care

Red Cabbage Tree (Cordyline rubra) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Cordyline genus. Red Cabbage Tree is native to warm rainforest and moist eucalyptus forest. Red Cabbage Tree is also known as Cordyline.

Red Cabbage Tree displays a tall, palm-like tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Red Cabbage Tree produces small, fragrant clusters of pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red 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.

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

Cordyline rubra tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Red Cabbage Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Red Cabbage Tree every 6 months 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 bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Cabbage Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Red Cabbage Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Red 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.

Red Cabbage Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Cabbage Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cabbage tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Red 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.

Red Cabbage Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Red Cabbage Tree is native to warm rainforest and moist eucalyptus forest. In cooler regions, grow Red Cabbage Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.