Red Star (Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’)

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is an evergreen, palm-like plant grown for its upright form and narrow, dark burgundy-red leaves. It is a cultivar of the New Zealand cabbage tree, not a true palm.

Give Cordyline australis 'Red Star' full sun to partial shade, with at least 4–6 hours of direct light for the best foliage color. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch.

Water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry, then let excess water drain completely. Established plants tolerate some drought, but containers usually need more frequent watering during hot weather.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can grow outdoors in mild climates and in containers that are moved indoors before hard freezes. Indoors, place it near a bright window and avoid consistently wet soil.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is generally grown outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 9–11. In colder zones, grow it as a container plant or protect it during winter.

Protect Cordyline australis 'Red Star' when temperatures approach about 20°F, because frost and freezing weather can damage or kill the growing point. Young plants and container specimens are especially vulnerable.

Yes, Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can grow in full sun when gradually acclimated and adequately watered. Plants moved suddenly from shade into intense sun may develop scorched or faded leaves.

Established Cordyline australis 'Red Star' has useful drought tolerance once its roots are established. Water more regularly during prolonged heat, after planting, and whenever the foliage begins to wilt.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can tolerate some coastal exposure and salt spray when planted in a well-drained, sheltered location. Severe wind, salt buildup, and poor drainage can still cause leaf damage.

Use well-drained loam, sand, clay amended for drainage, or a gritty container mix. The plant tolerates several soil types, but waterlogged soil is more damaging than moderately poor soil.

Brown leaves can result from frost, intense sun after a sudden change, drought, low humidity indoors, or waterlogged roots. Remove only fully dead foliage and correct the underlying moisture, light, or temperature problem.

Foliage may appear less burgundy when light is too low, growth is stressed, or new leaves are still maturing. Move the plant gradually toward brighter light while avoiding severe afternoon heat if scorch is occurring.

Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can occasionally affect Cordyline australis 'Red Star', especially indoors or under stress. Inspect leaf bases and undersides regularly and treat infestations promptly with an appropriate houseplant or horticultural product.

Feed Cordyline australis 'Red Star' lightly during active spring and summer growth with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid heavy fertilizing in winter or when the plant is drought-stressed, recently repotted, or suffering root problems.

Routine pruning is not required; remove dead or badly damaged leaves at their base using clean tools. If cold kills the top, wait until the damage is clear before cutting back, because the trunk may resprout.

Plant Cordyline australis 'Red Star' in spring after the threat of hard frost has passed. This gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter.

Yes, Cordyline australis 'Red Star' grows well in a large container with drainage holes and a gritty, well-drained mix. Choose a heavy pot to reduce tipping and move it to shelter before freezing weather.

Repot Cordyline australis 'Red Star' when roots fill the container, drainage slows, or the plant becomes unstable, usually every few years rather than annually. Move it into only the next pot size to avoid excess wet soil.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or well-rooted offsets when available. Stem cuttings and offsets are more likely than seed to preserve the cultivar’s distinctive foliage.

Yes, a tall Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can be cut back to encourage new shoots below the cut. Make the cut during active growth and keep the remaining trunk warm, bright, and only moderately moist.

Yes, Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is considered toxic if ingested and may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Keep fallen leaves and plant material away from dogs, cats, and other animals.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' should not be eaten and may cause illness if ingested. Keep it away from young children and seek medical or poison-control advice if plant material is swallowed.

Mature Cordyline australis 'Red Star' can produce fragrant, creamy-white flower panicles, usually from the top of an established trunk. Flowering is infrequent and depends on age, climate, and growing conditions.

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' most often blooms in late spring or summer, although timing varies by climate and plant maturity. Flowers may be followed by small berries.

You may remove the flower stalk after blooming to improve the plant’s appearance, but it is not necessary for health. Use clean pruners and avoid damaging the central growing point.