When you cut the top off a Cordyline plant, something interesting happens. First, you need to make sure that all the leaves are cleared from the top of the plant. This will give you a clear view of the trunk.
Next, you should grab the trunk firmly and feel your way down until you reach a point where it feels very hard and woody. This is where you should make your cut. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears or a saw to remove the top of the Cordyline.
After you’ve made the cut, you might be left with a bare trunk. But don’t worry, this is actually a good thing! Over the summer, the Cordyline will start to reshoot along the stem and from the base. These new shoots will develop into full woody stems once again.
It’s important to note that cutting the top off a Cordyline is a form of pruning called “topping.” This technique is commonly used to rejuvenate overgrown or leggy plants. By removing the top growth, you encourage new growth from lower down the plant, resulting in a more compact and bushy appearance.
When the Cordyline starts to reshoot, you will notice new leaves emerging from the cut point and from the base of the plant. These new shoots will gradually grow taller and develop into full-sized stems, just like the ones you had before.
One of the benefits of cutting the top off a Cordyline is that it can help to promote a more balanced and attractive plant shape. If your plant has become too tall and top-heavy, removing the top growth can help to create a more pleasing overall form.
It’s also worth mentioning that Cordylines are relatively resilient plants and can tolerate pruning quite well. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your tools are clean and sharp to minimize any potential damage or stress to the plant.
Cutting the top off a Cordyline can rejuvenate the plant and promote new growth. By removing the top growth, you encourage new shoots to develop along the stem and from the base, resulting in a more compact and bushy plant. So, if you have an overgrown or leggy Cordyline, don’t hesitate to give it a haircut!
