Mountain cabbage tree Cordyline indivisa

Water

The Mountain Cabbage Tree needs to be watered consistently but not excessively, roughly once a week or more frequently during hot, dry periods. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of its container, using about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and pot. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot. During the winter or in cooler temperatures, the watering frequency should be reduced to reflect the plant's slower growth rate.

Light

The Mountain Cabbage Tree prefers bright, indirect light and should be placed in a well-lit spot where it can receive this level of light for most of the day. Direct sunlight, especially during the harsh midday, may scorch its leaves, so a spot that receives morning light or filtered light is ideal.

Temperature

Mountain Cabbage Trees thrive best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, which are typical room temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but should be protected from temperatures below this to avoid cold damage. Avoid placing it in drafts or near heat sources that could cause sudden temperature changes.

Pruning

Prune the Mountain Cabbage Tree mainly to remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance and health. The best time to prune is in the spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when you notice unsightly or unhealthy leaves. Use clean, sharp shears to make clean cuts without tearing the plant's foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mountain cabbage tree requires well-draining soil mix with organic matter. A blend of loam, perlite, and peat with some compost is ideal for healthy growth. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Mountain cabbage tree should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. It's best to repot in spring or early summer before the growth season.

Humidity & Misting

Mountain cabbage tree thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. Avoid placing it in overly dry environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and avoid dry air for indoor growth.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade; shelter from strong winds outdoor.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Mountain Cabbage Tree (Cordyline indivisa) begins with seed germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, such as adequate warmth and moisture. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, growing into juvenile plants with narrow leaves. As the plant matures, it develops broader leaves and a stout, unbranched trunk; during this vegetative growth phase, the plant invests in increasing both size and energy resources. Eventually, the Mountain Cabbage Tree reaches reproductive maturity, which may take several years, and produces inflorescences with small, white to pale blue flowers that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the plant develops berries containing seeds, which are dispersed by birds and other animals, starting a new cycle of germination. The Mountain Cabbage Tree is relatively slow-growing and can live for many years, going through several flowering and fruiting cycles during its lifetime.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, is through seed collection and sowing. The best time to collect seeds is when the berries turn a dark color, indicating they're ripe, which typically occurs in autumn. To propagate, start by removing the seeds from the berries and clean any attached flesh, as this can carry fungal spores that are harmful to seedlings. Once cleaned, the seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed raising mix, barely covering them. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm, bright environment, but out of direct sunlight. Germination can take one to three months, and the seeds should be transplanted once they've developed a set of true leaves.