Cordyline Chocolate Queen Rooted Cutting Liner

For best results with Chocolate Queen, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container or three per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil with good aeration and drainage capacity and up to 60% peat with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and moderate feed (200 ppm liquid feed of a 20-10-20 fertilizer). Provide high light intensity for the best foliage color and quality. Water moderately and consistently; this plant doesn't like to dry out or to be overly wet. Provide humidity at 40-60% and watch for spider mites, aphids, scale, mealybugs, thrips, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.

This plant is grown for its attractive foliage.

This plant doesn't require pinching. Prune to control size if needed. Rejuvenate the plant by cutting it back to about six inches above the soil.

Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant.

This plant doesn't require PGRs. Provide adequate light to keep it from stretching tall. 

Scout for aphids, mealybugs, thrips, scale, and spider mites as part of your Integrated Pest Management program. 

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cause damage by sucking sap from plant tissue. They reproduce quickly and are particularly attracted to young growth. Curling and yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and stickiness on leaves are signs of an infestation. These insects also spread diseases and reproduce rapidly. Use biological controls or horticultural oils to discourage and kill aphids.

Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are covered in powdery wax, which gives them a cottony appearance. They reproduce and spread rapidly. Inspect plants regularly for signs of an infestation, including white, cottony masses on foliage. Always check new plants before bringing them into the greenhouse. Remove any highly infested plants from the greenhouse for quarantine or disposal. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps as biological controls for mealybug populations and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to disrupt lifecycles and feeding. Maintaining a sanitary greenhouse and eliminating debris can deter pest infestations.

Thrips are tiny insects that eat plant tissue and can transmit viruses. Watch for silvery-white streaks or black spots on foliage and distorted growth. Use natural predators (like predatory mites), insecticidal soap, neem oil, and sticky traps to control infestations and prevent spread.

Scale are insect pests that feed on plant sap and look like small bumps on leaves or stems. Control damage from this pest by scouting, introducing natural predators, applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soap, and pruning and discarding infested plant parts or whole plants. Be sure to disinfect tools and always use a sanitary growing media and containers. Note that healthy plants are more resistant to pests and disease.

Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.

Watch for signs of powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Take preventative measures in your commercial greenhouse, including using sanitary media, tools, and containers; watering at the base of each plant and allowing the soil to dry between waterings; spacing plants appropriately; and providing good airflow in your greenhouse.

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions, appearing as a white or gray coating on foliage and flowers. Provide good airflow in your greenhouse. We recommend horizontal airflow fans to help control humidity levels alongside a dehumidifier or manual venting. Remove and destroy infected plants and apply fungicides as needed or preventatively. Look for the active ingredients myclobutanil, trifloxystrobin, or potassium bicarbonate to combat Powdery Mildew threatening your seedling plugs.

Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.

Fungal Leaf Spot is a fungus-borne disease that causes water-soaked yellow or brown lesions on foliage, leading to defoliation and death. Fungal infection spreads via insects, splashing water, and contaminated equipment. Humid conditions create an inviting environment. Practice sanitation and good hygiene, water at the base of each plant, and space plants for adequate circulation and light penetration. At the first signs of infection, remove the affected leaves and treat the remaining plants with a copper-based fungicide like hydroxide, sulfate, oxychloride, or octanoate. Use fungicides carefully according to the label's instructions, and be aware that applying copper-based fungicides at high rates or during hot, dry weather can lead to phytotoxicity.

We recommend planting one rooted plug per 4-inch container or three per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil with good aeration and up to 60% peat content. Completely bury the ellepot centered or evenly spaced in the container. Plants take approximately nine months to be ready for sale.