Cordyline terminalis Plant Buying Guide In New Zealand – Care Tips & More

For the Cordyline terminalis to maintain its striking foliage, it needs plenty of bright light. While it can survive in lower light, you’ll notice a drop in leaf color vibrancy—particularly the red and pink tones. Aim to provide a space where the plant can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day or direct morning sun for a few hours. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light to preserve its intense coloring.

Cordyline terminalis can grow up to 150 cm (1.5 meters) tall indoors, so it does best in areas with some vertical space. Young plants are quite full and bushy, but as they mature, they grow taller and slimmer, forming a tree-like shape. Ideal spots include a bright living room corner, near a balcony door, or beside a hallway mirror where its bold leaves can really stand out.

Cordyline terminalis prefers a warm, stable indoor temperature. Aim to keep your space between 18°C and 27°C. It doesn’t tolerate cold well, so avoid placing it near drafty windows, air conditioners, or unheated entryways during winter. If the temperature drops below 15°C, the plant may begin to struggle, and growth can slow. For year-round vibrancy, keep it in a warm spot with consistent conditions—living rooms, sunrooms, or heated conservatories are ideal.

Cordyline terminalis has a strong, upright growth habit that brings structure and height to any indoor plant display. It typically grows to around 90–150 cm tall indoors (1 to 1.5 metres), although with time and the right conditions, mature plants can reach up to 180 cm.

Young plants are often bushy, with dense, colorful foliage that fans out from the base. As the plant matures, it begins to form a more tree-like appearance, developing a single woody stem with a crown of long, arching leaves at the top. The leaves themselves are one of the main attractions—long and pointed, often stretching 30–60 cm in length, and brightly colored in deep reds, pinks, purples, or greens, depending on the variety.

Cordyline grows slowly, so it’s unlikely to outgrow its space quickly, but it will eventually need a bit of vertical room to shine. It fits well as a feature plant in corners, beside windows or furniture, or styled as a stand-alone plant in tall planters to highlight its tropical elegance.

With proper pruning and leaf cleaning, it keeps a clean, tidy silhouette—perfect for modern interiors, boho styles, or homes that need a bold vertical accent.

Cordyline terminalis is moderately easy to care for, but it does appreciate a bit of consistency to look its best. It's not a plant you can completely neglect, but it’s also not overly demanding once you understand its rhythm.

‍Watering is the most important part to get right. Cordyline prefers slightly moist soil, but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry, and make sure your pot has good drainage. It’s sensitive to overwatering, and too much moisture can lead to root rot. Using filtered or rainwater is ideal, as this plant can be sensitive to fluoride and chemicals found in tap water—especially visible through brown tips on the leaves.

‍Humidity is another key factor. This plant comes from tropical climates and prefers moderate to high humidity. If the air in your home is dry—especially in winter—you might notice browning leaf edges. A humidifier, regular misting, or placing it near other plants can help maintain humidity levels.

Cordyline also responds well to monthly feeding during the growing season (spring to early autumn). A balanced liquid fertiliser will help keep the foliage vibrant and support slow, steady growth.

Lastly, keep the leaves dust-free with a soft, damp cloth, and remove any dried or yellowing foliage at the base to keep the plant looking fresh. Occasional pruning of leggy stems helps encourage fuller growth.

Overall, this plant will thrive with a weekly check-in, basic leaf care, and good placement. With just a little attention, Cordyline rewards you with strong form and standout colour.

Cordyline terminalis is a long-lasting indoor plant, especially when it’s given the right conditions. With proper care, it can live for 5 to 10 years or more indoors, gradually developing a tree-like structure and retaining its vibrant foliage. In some cases, well-maintained Cordylines have been known to thrive even longer, particularly if they are occasionally pruned and repotted as needed.

Yes, Cordyline terminalis is considered mildly toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. It contains compounds called saponins, which can cause irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort when chewed or eaten.

To help your Cordyline terminalis settle in and thrive, a few well-chosen accessories will make a noticeable difference in its health and appearance.

Start with a pot that has proper drainage. Cordylines don’t like soggy roots, so a planter with a drainage hole is essential. You can place it inside a decorative cover pot if you prefer a cleaner look—just make sure excess water isn’t trapped at the bottom.

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but still allows air to flow. A blend of standard indoor plant mix combined with perlite or pumice (around 20–30%) helps strike the right balance.

Because Cordyline prefers moderate to high humidity, consider buying a humidifier—especially during dry winter months—or place a tray of water and pebbles near the base to naturally increase humidity. Regular misting also helps keep leaf tips healthy and vibrant.

A liquid houseplant fertiliser will support steady growth and rich foliage color. Look for a balanced option and apply monthly during spring and summer.

Finally, invest in a soft microfiber cloth to keep its large, colorful leaves clean and dust-free. Shiny, healthy foliage not only looks better—it also performs better at photosynthesis.