Cabbage palm 'Albertii' Cordyline australis 'Albertii' (v)

Water

The Cabbage tree should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During its growing season in spring and summer, water approximately once a week, using around 2 gallons of water per session for a mature plant. In the cooler autumn and winter months, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks, monitoring the soil moisture level to prevent overwatering.

Light

Cabbage trees thrive in a spot with full sun to partial shade. They will benefit most from a location that receives several hours of direct sunlight daily, although they can tolerate some light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Temperature

Cabbage trees prefer a mild to warm climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may be affected, and they should not be exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods. Ideal conditions include avoiding frost and maintaining a relatively stable temperature above the minimum threshold.

Pruning

Cabbage trees benefit from pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain their shape. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Generally, it is sufficient to prune the tree once a year, though additional spot-cleaning of dead leaves can be done as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the New Zealand Cabbage Tree is one that is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand can work well. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

New Zealand Cabbage Trees should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's crucial to repot young plants more frequently to accommodate rapid growth, while mature plants can be repotted less often as their growth rate slows down.

Humidity & Misting

New Zealand Cabbage Trees prefer moderate humidity levels. They are quite adaptable but do best in environments where the humidity is consistent, ideally between 40-50%. Extremely low humidity should be avoided.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, well-drained soil, moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cordyline australis 'Albertii', commonly known as 'Variegated Cabbage Tree', begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions, ideally in partial to full sunlight. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of initial roots and shoots, and as it matures, the plant develops a slender, unbranched trunk with a tuft of sword-like, variegated leaves at the top. As it grows, the cabbage tree may produce side shoots, leading to a branching habit, and after several years, it reaches maturity and forms panicles of fragrant, white-to-cream flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into berry-like fruits that contain seeds, thereby enabling the propagation of new plants. Once mature, Cordyline australis 'Albertii' can live for many years, and can withstand relatively harsh conditions, including drought and moderate frosts. Over time, the plant may lose its lower leaves, creating a more tree-like appearance with a longer, bare trunk.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Cabbage Tree or Cordyline australis 'Albertii' is through stem cuttings, particularly during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, ideally spring through early summer. To start, take a cutting of about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) from a healthy portion of the stem, making sure it has at least one node. Remove any leaves near the bottom of the cutting to expose the nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new Cabbage Tree can gradually acclimate to direct sunlight and less frequent watering.