Brown spots on Cordylines - Julia - Perth

"Hello,

           I have various Corylines (Red Star, Red Sensation) that I recently planted in my garden, and they have develped brown, dry spots on the leaves.  Also the leaves at the bottom seem to dry up and die..... I water them every second day.   Is this due to underwatering or overwatering ?  Could you also recommend a good fertiliser for them ?

 

Julia,

          From what you have described, I would say that the brown spots are leaf damage due to Sun Burn, this usually occurs on Cordylines if they are under water stress, growing in full sun.   I would say that they are not getting enough water at the roots.   Now, although your watering is okay, what possibly is happening is that the soil around the plants and possibly the root ball of the plants are not holding water or repelling it.   I know that may sound strange, but if you treat the plant and the soil around it with a hose on wetting agent or a granular wetting agent and water every day for a few weeks you should see them revive.    Also try some Seasol it will help the roots grow.  

In regard to the leaves dropping off around the base, this is normal, although it is made worse by the plant being stressed.    Cordylines of this variety, will drop their leaves at the base as they grow.  Eventually they will have a stem with a truck, just like a small palm.   Cordylines grow from the top, just like a palm, as long as the top has foliage the plant is alive and growing.  

In regard to fertilisers,  any garden fertiliser is okay,  you could use Cresco Garden Fertiliser or Osmocote slow release.    But, don't fertiliser till the plants are well again, as fertilising when plants are sick will generally make them worse. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fast Find Menu