Cordyline

Watering rhythm

Every 5–7 days

About this plant

Cordyline is an evergreen shrub native to tropical regions, prized for its slender, elongated leaves. Most varieties boast vibrant foliage in shades of red, yellow, and pink, bringing a splash of color to any indoor space. It's a vigorous grower that's quite forgiving for beginners and generally very hardy.

Placement & environment

Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, but position your plant near a window where it receives plenty of ambient light. Keep temperatures above 15°C (59°F) at all times—anything below 10°C (50°F) will stress the plant. Aim for humidity levels between 40–60%, and try not to let the air get too dry.

Seasonal watering rhythm

Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.

Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 4–6 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 8–12 days

Watering rhythm

Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Pour until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess that collects in the saucer—this prevents root rot. Overwatering is the main thing to avoid. A light misting of the leaves is appreciated but not essential.

Common troubles

Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.

Symptom	Likely cause	What to try
Leaf tips turning brown	Usually stems from dry indoor air, being pot-bound, or underwatering. Heating vents in winter tend to make this worse.	Mist the foliage regularly to add moisture. If the plant is rootbound, consider repotting. Otherwise, review your watering schedule to ensure the plant isn't drying out.
Leaves turning yellow	This can signal early root rot or fertilizer burn. Low light or cold temperatures may also cause yellowing.	Check for signs of overwatering or being pot-bound, and repot if needed. Move the plant to a brighter spot and make sure it stays above 15°C (59°F) through winter.
Wilting or drooping leaves	Either the roots are rotting from too much moisture, or the opposite—the soil is so dry the plant can't absorb water.	Feel the soil to determine which it is. If it's waterlogged, repot into fresh soil. If it's simply dry, water thoroughly and give it time to bounce back.
Pest infestation (spider mites, mealybugs)	These tend to hide on new growth and leaf undersides, especially in dry conditions or where air circulation is poor.	Spray pests off with a mist bottle, or wipe affected areas gently with a damp tissue in the early stages. If the problem persists, consider using an insecticidal spray.
Stems becoming thin and color fading	Lack of light is the main culprit. Since Cordyline is valued for its vibrant colors, it really needs adequate brightness to show its best.	Move it to a brighter location where it receives indirect light near a window. You should see improvement within a few weeks.