Growing Cordyline
Latin Name Pronunciation: kor-dih-lye'-nee
Spacing: 12-24", or 1 per 10-12" pot
Plant in average, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Cordylines are hardy to Zone 8 (10°F). In colder climates, they can be overwintered indoors. Before the first frost in fall, bring their container indoors or lift the clump of rhizomes with a spade or fork and pot up. Keep them in a cool location (35°-50°F) for the winter.
Many varieties can be grown indoors as houseplants. They prefer a location with bright indirect light. Water plants when the potting mix feels dry to the touch 1" below the surface.
Humidity: Most houseplants are native to tropical or subtropical regions of the world, where relative humidity is typically very high. They suffer in the dry air produced by furnaces and woodstoves. The best way to increase the humidity around your plants is to run a humidifier nearby. You can also set plants in trays filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot). Refill trays frequently to replace water lost through evaporation.