Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ is popular for its striking, vibrant foliage, enhancing indoor and outdoor spaces. Manageable care and a tropical feel contribute to its appeal.
Unique Characteristics of Cordyline Lime Passion
The ‘Lime Passion’ cultivar features vivid lime-green foliage edged with red or pink, creating dynamic contrast. Broad, strap-like leaves form an upright silhouette.
As it matures, Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ develops a compact, upright habit, reaching 3-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its size makes it versatile for containers, garden beds, and visual interest.
Caring for Your Cordyline Lime Passion
Light Requirements
Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Indoors, place near a north or east-facing window; outdoors, choose filtered sunlight for color. Direct sun causes leaf scorch. Insufficient light dulls color and causes leggy growth.
Watering Needs
Watering is key. Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ prefers consistently moist soil, avoiding waterlogging (causes root rot). Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering. Saturate soil until water drains, ensuring the root ball is moist.
Good drainage is essential; ensure adequate drainage holes. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves and plant decline. Drought causes drooping, brown tips.
Soil Preferences
Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ prefers a well-draining, moisture-retaining potting mix. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal for nutrient uptake. A good blend includes peat moss/coco coir (moisture), perlite/coarse sand (aeration/drainage), and pine bark fines (structure/water flow). Ensures oxygen, prevents compaction.
Temperature and Humidity
From tropical regions, Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ prefers warmth and high humidity. Ideal temperatures are 65-80°F (18-27°C). Below 50°F (10°C) causes stress, chilling injury, and decline.
Adequate humidity is important, especially indoors. Increase humidity with a pebble tray (pot not in water), misting, or a humidifier to prevent crispy edges.
Fertilizing
During active growth (spring to early fall), Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20), diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks. Dilution prevents root burn.
Avoid fertilizing during dormant winter. Over-fertilization causes salt buildup, damaging roots and browning leaf tips. Always water thoroughly before fertilizing to distribute nutrients and minimize root shock.
Propagating Cordyline Lime Passion
Propagating Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem 4-6 inches long, with 2-3 leaf nodes. Make a clean cut below a node using sterilized pruning shears to minimize disease.
Root cuttings in water (change water every few days; roots emerge within weeks) or directly in a small pot with moist, light potting mix.
In soil, ensure at least one node is buried. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome maintains high humidity, encouraging rooting. Place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Once new growth and roots establish, transplant to a larger container.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cordyline ‘Lime Passion’ may show signs of distress. Understanding these common issues helps maintain plant health.
Browning Leaf Tips
Browning leaf tips are often caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; distilled or rainwater prevents fluoride.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies, suggesting adjusted watering or balanced fertilizer.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth (elongated stems, sparse foliage) results from insufficient light. Moving to brighter, indirect sunlight encourages compact, robust growth.
Pests
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can infest. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil manages issues.
Root Rot
Root rot (mushy stems, wilting despite moist soil) is caused by excessive watering and poor drainage. Address by repotting into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming affected roots, and adjusting watering.