Cordyline	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Native to the southwest Pacific region (one species in tropical America), most of the 15 or so species of this genus of somewhat palm-like evergreen shrubs and small trees are tropical or subtropical. A few of the New Zealand species are moderately frost hardy. They are sparingly branched, each branch tipped with a tuft of lance-shaped leaves. Flowers are small and starry and borne in masses in large panicles which are followed by red, black or whitish berry-like fruits. A peculiarity is their underground rhizome that grows downward. In container situations it sometimes can emerge through the drainage apertures of a pot. Popular for adding a tropical atmosphere to a garden, excellent for mixing with palms or ferns. Good specimen plants, decorative container plants and make for a striking focal point where grown as indoor decoration.
Growing Most species are easy to grow, although the tropicals may need a bit of cossetting when grown in temperate climates. They prefer rich and well-drained soil and regular watering during the warmer months. The most sun hardy are the narrower-leafed New Zealand species, and Cordyline australis tolerates full sun and salt spray near the ocean. The species with broader, thinner leaves like a more sheltered, partially shaded position, but will tolerate full sun if humidity is high. Cordylines do exceptionally well in containers. Most can be kept in pots or tubs for many years as indoor or patio plants. Easily propagated from seed, by division or stem cuttings. Cutting the main stem at any height will soon produce multiple trunks, if a bushier effect is desired.