New Zealand Cabbage Tree 'Peko' Cordyline australis 'Peko' (PBR)

Water

Cabbage Tree should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering the plant every week or two—more frequently in hot, dry conditions and less often in cooler, humid ones. When watering, apply approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage. During the winter or in cooler months, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, as the plant's water requirements decrease with slower growth.

Light

Cabbage Tree thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too little light can lead to reduced vigor and less dense foliage.

Temperature

Cabbage Trees can tolerate a temperature range from 15°F to 90°F, but they grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. They can survive brief cold snaps but should be protected from prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°F to prevent cold damage to the foliage.

Pruning

Cabbage Trees should be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time to prune is in the spring before new growth begins. Prune sparingly, as the plant has a natural shape that requires minimal intervention.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cabbage tree prefers well-drained, sandy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Cabbage tree is between 6.0 and 6.5. A mixture of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is suitable for good growth.

Repotting

Cabbage tree should be repotted every two to three years. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting if they outgrow their pots, while mature plants can be repotted less often.

Humidity & Misting

Cabbage tree thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. Avoid environments that are too dry, as this can cause the leaf tips to brown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid cold drafts.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade; protect from frost and harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cordyline australis 'Peko', commonly known as the Cabbage tree, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil with sufficient warmth and light. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of a set of initial leaves that will form a rosette as the plant matures. As the tree grows, it develops a sturdy trunk and a canopy of long, spear-like leaves that are a distinctive feature of the Cabbage tree. Over time, mature trees will produce fragrant, white to off-white inflorescences during the summer months, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and birds. After pollination, the flowers develop into bluish-white berries that contain seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the Cabbage tree may enter a phase of senescence, characterized by reduced growth and productivity, which can lead to its eventual death, although it may also produce side shoots or suckers that can grow into new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Cordyline australis 'Peko', commonly known as Torbay Palm or Cabbage Tree, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in the late summer or early fall. A cutting should be taken from a healthy, mature plant, using a sharp, sanitized pruning tool to make a clean cut. It's recommended to select a stem that is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) in diameter and to trim the cutting to a length of approximately 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm). The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Finally, the cutting is placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried where roots can form. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be located in a warm area with indirect sunlight.