Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Cordyline Red Star — Overview
The Cordyline australis 'Red Star', commonly known as the 'Red Star' Cabbage Tree, is a visually captivating cultivar of the New Zealand native Cordyline australis. This striking plant is characterized by its dramatic reddish-bronze to deep burgundy, sword-shaped leaves that arch gracefully from a central, often substantial, palm-like trunk as it matures.
The intensity of its distinctive color is most pronounced in ample sunlight, making it a favorite for ornamental landscaping.
While the 'Red Star' cultivar is primarily celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, its parent species, Cordyline australis, holds profound historical and cultural significance for the Māori people of New Zealand. Traditionally, the wild Cabbage Tree was a versatile resource, providing:
• Sustenance
• Fiber for weaving
• Traditional medicine
Botanically, Cordyline australis belongs to the Asparagaceae family, a monocotyledon. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and requires sufficient sunlight, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions from occasionally wet to dry.
Protection from severe frosts is crucial for its longevity in non-native climates.
Its medicinal applications are largely confined to its indigenous New Zealand context, reflecting its geographical isolation until recent global dissemination.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Cordyline australis red star:
Cordyline Red Star should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed indoor plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Cordyline Red Star — Key Features
- Botanical Name — Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
- Family — Asparagaceae
- Common Names — Red Star Cabbage Tree, Red Star Cordyline, Ti Kouka (for species)
- Foliage Characteristics — Striking reddish-bronze to deep burgundy, sword-shaped, evergreen leaves.
- Growth Habit — Upright, palm-like tree, typically single or multi-trunked with age.
- Ornamental Value — Highly prized for its dramatic color and architectural form in landscapes and containers.
- Native Origin — Cultivar derived from the New Zealand native Cordyline australis.
- Traditional Significance — Parent species was a crucial food (roots) and fiber (leaves) source for the Māori.
- Phytochemical Profile — Contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and steroidal saponins.
- Pet Toxicity — Known to be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
1.2.Cordyline Red Star — Quick Summary
- Cordyline 'Red Star' is a distinctive ornamental cultivar known for its reddish-bronze foliage.
- Its parent species, Cordyline australis, was a fundamental resource for the Māori people, used for food and fiber.
- The species contains beneficial phytochemicals like flavonoids and saponins, offering potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Primarily valued for its dramatic aesthetic in gardens and as a container plant.
- Requires well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth and color.
- Important to note its toxicity to pets, necessitating careful placement.
2.Cordyline Red Star — Scientific Identity
3.Cordyline Red Star — Categories & Tags
4.Cordyline Red Star — Appearance & Identification
5.Cordyline Red Star — Water Requirements
- Soil Requirements — Cordyline 'Red Star' thrives in moist, fertile, organically rich, and well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a wide range from boggy to dry conditions.
- Light Exposure — For the most vibrant reddish-bronze foliage, plant in full sun; partial shade is also tolerated but may result in less intense color.
- Watering Schedule — Maintain consistently moist soil during the active growing season, especially in summer, but reduce watering significantly during indoor winter periods.
- Propagation Techniques — Can be propagated from seeds, though stem cuttings are more common for maintaining cultivar characteristics.
- Container Growing — When grown in containers, ensure a large, deep pot is used to accommodate its taproot; containerized plants rarely flower.
- Hardiness Zones — Best suited for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a through 11b, requiring protection from severe frosts in colder climates.
- Pest Management — Monitor for common pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, particularly on indoor plants, and treat as necessary.
- Growth and Form — Plant typically forms a single or multi-trunked, palm-like tree, reaching up to 15 feet in containers and 30-60 feet in native outdoor conditions.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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