Garden & Landscape plant articles > Brown spots on Cordline plants

Brown spots on Cordline plants

Hi,

 

       I have various Cordylines (Red Star, Red Sensation) that I recently planted in my garden, and they have developed 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?  Thanks Julia

 

Answer:

 

Hi 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 this 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.  Cordylines will eventually drop their lower leaves as they grow up.   In regard to fertiliser you can use any general purpose garden fertiliser on Cordylines.

 

 

Regards horticulturist@gardenguide.com.au

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