Mountain Cabbage Tree (Cordyline indivisa)

Mountain Cabbage Tree

Cordyline indivisa

Its broad sword-shaped leaves create a lush tropical silhouette. Evergreen tree-like shrub; common name: Broad-leaved Cabbage Tree.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade, avoid harsh midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in cool temperate conditions; protect from frost below 5°C to avoid leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Dense rosettes of glossy dark green sword-shaped leaves (up to 2 m long) at stem apices
  • Flower: Drooping panicles of small, fragrant white flowers
  • Stem: Thick woody trunk with persistent, fibrous leaf bases
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leaf tip burn

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid debris to avoid pest attraction
Pruning
  • Trim brown, damaged leaf tips to preserve tidy appearance
  • Thin overcrowded lower leaf rosettes to improve air circulation
  • Cut back spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to foliage growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden focal point; cut foliage for floral arrangements