Plant Doctor Archive

Cabbage tree cultivation tips

I HAVE a cabbage tree (Cordyline) with several small plants growing off the trunk, am I able to propagate these and, if so, what is the best method?

IT is possible, but it's tricky. The key is to cut the small growths off with a section of heel, or older trunk, attached. Snip off at least half the foliage, dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in free-draining, sterile potting mix. Transplant when a good root structure has formed. Don't delay this too long as cabbage trees resent root disturbance.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.