Cordyline plants are bold, colorful, and incredibly striking — making them one of the most popular tropical houseplants and landscape plants. Their dramatic foliage ranges from pink and red to deep green and purple. If you’ve ever wished you could create more of these beautiful plants without buying new ones, propagation is the answer!
The good news? Cordyline plants are very easy to propagate, especially through stem cuttings. Whether you’re growing them indoors or outdoors, this guide will walk you through exactly how to multiply your cordylines successfully.
🌱 Why Propagate Cordyline?
Propagation isn’t just fun — it’s practical and rewarding.
✔ Grow new plants for free
✔ Rejuvenate an older plant
✔ Fix legginess or bare stems
✔ Share cuttings with friends
✔ Create fuller arrangements in your garden
Cordylines respond well to pruning, so taking cuttings benefits both the original plant and your new baby plants.
🌿 Best Time to Propagate Cordyline
Cordyline propagation works best in warm seasons, ideally:
- Late spring
- Summer
- Early fall
They root fastest when temperatures stay above 65°F / 18°C.
🪴 Propagation Methods for Cordyline
Cordylines can be propagated in two easy ways:
- Top Cuttings (most common, fast rooting)
- Stem/Trunk Cuttings (great for rejuvenating tall or bare plants)
You can root them in water or soil, depending on your preference.
✂️ What You’ll Need
- Clean pruning shears
- Healthy cordyline plant
- Small pots
- Potting mix (well-draining)
- Optional: rooting hormone
- Clean water
- Gloves (cordyline sap can be sticky)
🌱 How to Propagate Cordyline (Step-by-Step)
1. Select a Healthy Stem
Choose a stem that is:
- Mature (not too young)
- At least 8–12 inches long
- Free from pests and damage
Healthy foliage is a good sign the plant has enough energy to root.
2. Make the Cut
Using clean shears, cut the stem straight across.
For top cuttings:
Cut just below a leaf cluster — this gives you a growing point at the top and a node at the bottom.
For stem segments:
Cut the stem into 4–6 inch pieces.
Each piece must include at least one node, where roots will emerge.
3. Remove Lower Leaves
Strip off bottom leaves so that:
- No leaves sit inside water/soil
- The cutting’s energy goes into roots
Leave 2–3 leaves at the top for photosynthesis.
4. Choose Your Rooting Method
Cordylines root well in both water and soil.
⭐ Water Propagation (Easy & Visible)
- Fill a glass jar with clean water
- Place the cutting so nodes stay submerged
- Keep it in bright, indirect light
- Change the water every 3–5 days
Roots appear in 2–4 weeks.
⭐ Soil Propagation (Stronger Roots)
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional)
- Plant the cutting in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep the pot warm and lightly humid
- Avoid direct full sun
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks.
5. Keep Conditions Just Right
Cordylines root best when they get:
- Warmth (70–80°F ideal)
- Bright, indirect light
- Lightly moist soil (not soggy)
- Good airflow
- Optional humidity dome for soil cuttings
6. Wait for Root Development
You’ll know your propagation is working if:
- Leaves stay firm
- New roots appear (if water prop)
- Tiny new leaves begin forming at the top
Patience is key — they root slowly but steadily.
7. Repot Your New Plant
Once roots are 2–3 inches long, move your cutting into soil.
- Use a well-draining mix
- Keep it slightly moist for the first 2 weeks
- Then care for it like a mature cordyline
Your new plant will continue growing into a full-sized beauty.
🌿 Troubleshooting Cordyline Propagation
❗ Leaves turning brown
→ Light is too strong or water is dirty.
❗ Stem becoming mushy
→ Overwatering or bacterial contamination.
❗ Slow rooting
→ Add warmth or switch to water propagation.
🪴 Cordyline Varieties That Propagate Well
These popular varieties root extremely easily:
- Cordyline fruticosa ‘Red Sister’
- Cordyline australis ‘Pink Passion’
- Cordyline ‘Electric Pink’
- Cordyline ‘Harlequin’
- Cordyline ‘Tango’
🌱 Final Thoughts
Propagating cordyline is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few cuttings and the right conditions, you can turn one plant into many — making your home or garden even more vibrant with these colorful tropical beauties.
