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Pruning guide

How to prune cordyline

Best time
Spring — especially after any cold damage in outdoor or conservatory plants
How often
Remove lower leaves as needed year-round; hard pruning only if required
Technique
Pull or cut yellowed lower leaves cleanly from the stem. For hard renovation, cut the stem back to 30–60 cm above soil level in spring; new growth will emerge from dormant buds. Avoid cutting healthy green leaves unnecessarily.

More cordyline care

Pruning cordyline — FAQ

When should I prune cordyline?

Spring — especially after any cold damage in outdoor or conservatory plants. Pull or cut yellowed lower leaves cleanly from the stem. For hard renovation, cut the stem back to 30–60 cm above soil level in spring; new growth will emerge from dormant buds. Avoid cutting healthy green leaves unnecessarily.

How often does cordyline need pruning?

Remove lower leaves as needed year-round; hard pruning only if required. Cordyline requires minimal pruning indoors. Remove lower leaves as they naturally yellow and die — this is normal, revealing the characteristic trunk over time. Outdoor or large specimens can be cut back hard if they become top-heavy or suffer cold damage; they regenerate vigorously from the base or cut stem.

How do you prune cordyline?

Pull or cut yellowed lower leaves cleanly from the stem. For hard renovation, cut the stem back to 30–60 cm above soil level in spring; new growth will emerge from dormant buds. Avoid cutting healthy green leaves unnecessarily.