Cordyline fruticosa 'Tango'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed regularly during growth

Feed the plant regularly during growth for improved foliage. Don't feed the plant in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Keep moist, but not standing in water

Keep moist at all times. Water more sparingly in winter, keep the compost just moist.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Average or warm room, min 15C/60F

This plant thrives in average or warm rooms when grown as a houseplant (average room temperature is around 20C/68F). The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 15C/60F.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, not sunny or shady

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun and not in the shade. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves, while shade can risk losing the variegated colour from the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the winter.