Cordyline propagation

Cordyline is a tropical plant with striking upright leaves. The name Cordyline comes from the Greek word ‘kordyle’, meaning club – a reference to the plant’s thick underground stems.

Start with clean tools. Use hot water and soap to clean your knife or scissors. Got disinfectant? Use it after rinsing to kill any bacteria or fungi.

Put down an old towel to catch the soil. Take the Cordyline out of its pot and gently remove the soil around the roots. This gives you a clear view of the root system.

Cordyline can be propagated by cutting a shoot or a leafy section close to the base of the mother plant. Try to keep as many roots as possible attached. If needed, use a knife to separate the shoot.

Let the cutting dry for 3 to 4 days. Once the wound has dried, place the cutting in a pot with fresh soil. Don’t water it just yet – only start watering when you see signs of growth.

• When: spring or summer

• Light: indirect bright light

• Water: wait until new growth appears

• Soil: use well-draining fresh soil

• Drying: always let the wound dry for a few days

It’s possible, but soil propagation works more reliably. Drying the cuttings and planting them directly in soil gives the best results.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating Cordyline plants. All methods are tested in our plant studio and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.