Cordyline Pink Passion is an ornamental plant known for vibrant pink, burgundy, and green foliage. This cultivar offers a tropical aesthetic for indoor containers and outdoor landscapes in warmer climates. Its upright growth and colorful leaves add visual interest. Originating from tropical regions, it thrives in similar environments.
Cordyline Pink Passion Care Guide
Light exposure maintains Cordyline Pink Passion’s intense coloration. Indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light, like near a window with ample brightness but no harsh direct sun. Filtered light prevents scorching and keeps pink hues vivid. Insufficient light fades pinks, dulls foliage, or causes leggy growth. Too much direct sun, especially during peak afternoon hours, can crisp or burn leaf margins.
Watering Cordyline Pink Passion prevents dehydration and root rot. The plant prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil during its active growing season. Check soil moisture by feeling the top inch or two; water when dry. Allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings ensures root aeration. During cooler months or when growth slows, reduce watering frequency as water uptake decreases.
Soil for Cordyline Pink Passion needs excellent drainage and some moisture retention. A well-draining potting mix (peat moss, perlite, pine bark) suits containerized plants. This mix ensures excess water escapes, preventing root saturation and fungal issues. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging between 6.0 and 6.5. Incorporating coarse sand can enhance aeration and drainage.
Appropriate temperature and humidity are important for Cordyline Pink Passion, given its tropical origins. It thrives in warm environments, with an optimal temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can cause leaf damage or stress. High humidity is beneficial; increase ambient moisture by misting foliage, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or using a room humidifier.
Regular fertilization supports robust growth and vibrant foliage color during the active season. During spring and summer, feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. A balanced formulation (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) provides essential nutrients. Suspend fertilization during cooler, dormant fall and winter months, as growth naturally slows. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to nutrient burn and root damage.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning Cordyline Pink Passion maintains size and shape, promoting denser foliage. Remove discolored, damaged, or dead leaves to improve appearance and health. Use clean, sharp shears for precise cuts, reducing disease transmission. To encourage bushier growth, cut the main stem just above a leaf node, where new leaves or branches emerge.
Regular pruning removes spent flower stalks; flowers are less significant than foliage. This redirects energy towards more leaves and vibrant coloration. It also prevents legginess, ensuring a compact form. Dispose of pruned material properly to prevent pest or disease spread.
Propagating Cordyline Pink Passion
Propagating Cordyline Pink Passion uses stem cuttings to create new plants. Select a healthy, mature stem 4 to 6 inches long, with several leaves. Cut just below a leaf node using sterilized shears or a sharp knife. Remove lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few at the top to reduce moisture loss.
After preparing, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder; this is optional but encourages faster root development. Plant the cutting into a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat moss and perlite). Ensure at least one node is buried, as roots emerge from there. Place the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light and maintain consistent soil moisture for root formation.
Common Issues and Solutions
Browning leaf tips indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray. Distilled or rainwater can prevent fluoride accumulation. Consistent moisture and avoiding dry soil contribute to healthier leaf margins.
Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, may signal overwatering or insufficient drainage, leading to root rot. Assess soil moisture before watering to avoid saturation, and confirm adequate pot drainage. General yellowing can also indicate nutrient deficiency, suggesting a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season.
Pest infestations affect Cordyline Pink Passion, with common culprits like spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites appear as tiny webs or stippled leaves; mealybugs resemble small, white, cottony masses in leaf axils. For minor infestations, a strong water spray can dislodge pests, or wipe them away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Persistent issues may require treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied according to product instructions.