Cordyline, often recognized as the Ti Plant or Cabbage Palm, is popular for both indoor and outdoor cultivation due to its dramatic, sword-shaped foliage and vibrant colors. Expanding a collection of this architectural plant is straightforward, relying on its natural ability to regenerate from stem parts or through root system separation. This guide details the two most reliable methods for creating new plants: stem cuttings and separating divisions from the parent plant’s base.
Propagating Using Stem Cuttings
The cutting method is useful for Cordyline varieties with long, bare stalks or pruned sections. Select healthy, mature stem material (woody trunk or younger cane). Using a clean, sterilized blade, cut the stem into pieces four to six inches long, ensuring each segment contains at least one or two growth nodes.
The segments must dry and heal for 24 to 48 hours to prevent fungal infection and rot. This callusing forms a protective layer over the cut tissue. Once dry and hardened, the cutting is ready. Rooting hormone can be applied to the bottom end to stimulate root development.
Prepare a container with a sterile, well-draining medium, such as perlite and peat moss. Insert the cutting vertically, ensuring the original top end remains upright. Alternatively, lay it horizontally and partially cover it to encourage multiple sprouts. Firm the soil gently for stability. A humidity dome or plastic bag helps maintain a moist environment, minimizing water loss and encouraging growth.
Propagating Through Root Division
Division involves separating offsets (suckers or pups) that naturally grow from the base of the mature plant. The optimal time is spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Water the parent plant thoroughly a day before division to reduce transplant shock and ease handling of the root ball.
Carefully remove the Cordyline from its pot or gently dig around the base to expose the root system and offset connection points. These offsets are small shoots that often possess their own developing root structures. Using a sharp, sterilized knife or your hands, cleanly sever the connection, ensuring the new division retains as many roots as possible.
Immediately replant the divisions into individual containers with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Plant the new Cordyline at the same previous depth, firming the soil gently to eliminate air pockets. Replant the mother plant promptly. Water both the new divisions and the original plant well to settle the soil. Removing some lower leaves helps reduce stress on the smaller root system.
Care for Newly Propagated Cordyline
The post-propagation period requires consistent care while new plants establish their root systems. Immediately after planting, the soil must be kept consistently moist but not saturated to prevent root rot. Overwatering quickly leads to fungal infections, so ensuring the pot has excellent drainage is necessary.
New plants thrive best in bright, indirect light, as direct, intense sun can scorch the developing foliage. Because the plant lacks a strong root system, it is highly susceptible to desiccation, so a protected spot away from harsh elements is beneficial.
Successful root establishment is indicated by the appearance of new growth from the stem tip or firm resistance when the plant is gently tugged. Once this new growth is visible and the plant feels anchored, it signals that transitioning to a larger container is appropriate, typically a few months after propagation.