Electric Flash Grass Tree Cordyline banksii Electric Flash = 'Sprilecflash' (PBR)

Water

The Electric Pink Cordyline prefers consistent moisture and should be watered once a week, with adjustments made for climate and season. Ideally, water the plant deeply enough that the soil becomes moist but not soggy, ensuring that excess water can drain away. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Use roughly 1 gallon of water per session for a medium-sized plant, tapering off in the fall and watering sparingly in winter, as the plant's growth slows down.

Light

The Electric Pink Cordyline thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is a location where it receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Indoors, placing it near a window that gets plenty of natural but filtered light is ideal, while outdoors, an eastern or northern exposure is often suitable.

Temperature

Electric Pink Cordyline does best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It can potentially tolerate brief drops to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost, as cold temperatures below this threshold can damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Electric Pink Cordyline benefits from pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and promote denser foliage. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back any unsightly leaves at the base and remove spent flower spikes to conserve the plant's energy. Pruning can be done annually or biennially, depending on the plant's appearance and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Electric Pink Cordyline thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand; it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Electric Pink Cordyline should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot, ensuring not to disturb the roots too much while doing so.

Humidity & Misting

Electric Pink Cordyline grows best at moderate to high humidity levels, anywhere from 40% to 60%, avoiding overly dry air which can cause leaf tips to brown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil dries.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun and cold.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cordyline banksii Electric Flash, commonly known as Electric Pink, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the tiny seeds sprout into seedlings under suitable conditions of light and moisture. As it enters the juvenile stage, it starts developing its characteristic strappy, variegated leaves with bold pink and green patterns. During the vegetative stage, the plant focuses on leaf growth and developing a strong root system; the Electric Pink does not flower often and primarily reproduces by cuttings or division. If conditions allow, it might reach a flowering stage, producing inconspicuous flowers that are not its main ornamental feature. After flowering, seed development may occur, but this is typically rare in cultivated environments where propagation is mainly asexual. As the plant matures, it maintains its bushy form and can last for many years, though it may go through a rejuvenation process where older stems die back, and new shoots emerge from the base.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Cordyline banksii 'Electric Flash', commonly referred to as Electric Flash, can be propagated through stem cuttings, a method popular for its relative ease and effectiveness. To propagate by stem cutting, one would need to cut a healthy stem from the parent plant using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of pruning shears, ensuring that the cutting includes at least one node, which is a small bump or blemish on the stem from where the leaves grow. The cut end of the stem should be allowed to dry for a few hours to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting when planted. Next, the stem cutting should be placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, inserting it about 1 to 2 inches deep. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as too much water can cause the cutting to rot. It's important to keep the cutting in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight until new growth begins to emerge, indicating that roots have developed. This process usually takes several weeks, depending on environmental conditions.