Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' leaf close-up on white background.

Asparagaceae

Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

Name: Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'
Brand: Foliage Factory
SKU: MM-LUN258
Price: 7.75 EUR
Availability: InStock

Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' compresses the usual Cordyline form into a short, tight column of deep wine-coloured leaves. The compact footprint and slow growth give you a small-scale, jewel-tone statement where large shrubs would overwhelm.

Full guide to Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

€7,75

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Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' at a glance:

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’ compresses the usual Cordyline shape into a shorter, denser column of deep wine to purple-red foliage. That reduced scale is exactly what makes it useful, because you get the same tropical intensity and upright structure without needing much room. In smaller interiors or tighter plant groupings, it delivers the effect of a dark statement plant without immediately overwhelming the space.

Treat ‘Purple Compacta’ as a compact warm-growing foliage plant: bright indirect light, a lightly moist but draining mix, and protection from cold or very dry air. It is slower and more controlled than larger Cordyline types, which makes it easy to maintain in a presentable shape. Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’ is ideal when you want strong colour concentrated into a smaller, more manageable footprint.

Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

Quick Care Guide

Light

Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux

Water

Water when ~40–60% dry

Substrate

Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium

Temperature

Ideal: 18–28 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C

Humidity

Moist 50–60 %

Growth habit

evergreen shrub/tree

Support

not needed

Growth speed

Average

Max size indoors

Max. height: 90 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm

Toxicity & safety

Toxic

Origin & habitat

Cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa

How to read these metrics

These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.

Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.

Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level;
Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.

Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.

Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' – Indoor Foliage with Bold Color

Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' is a compact, upright cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa, valued for its deep purple-red foliage and manageable indoor size. Its strong cane-like stems and architectural form bring bold structure and color to modern interiors or patios. Unlike larger cordyline types, this cultivar fits smaller spaces while maintaining maximum visual impact.

Botanical Highlights of Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

Foliage: Broad, strap-like leaves in dark burgundy to deep violet tones.
Form: Upright stems with densely packed foliage create a palm-like silhouette.
Size: Indoors typically reaches 50 – 90 cm in height and remains compact.
Texture: Smooth, leathery leaves with subtle gloss.

Native Habitat and Growth Pattern

Origin: Native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific Islands.
Natural Climate: Grows in warm, humid, partially shaded forest margins and clearings.
Growth Rate: Moderate; produces new foliage regularly with proper warmth and light.
Root System: Shallow, fibrous roots; prefers stable conditions and consistent watering.

How to Care for Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Tolerates some shade. Avoid strong midday sun, which can fade leaves.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water when the top 10 – 15% of soil has dried. Use rain or distilled water if possible to avoid fluoride toxicity.
Humidity: Prefers 50 – 70%. Use a humidifier to boost humidity indoors.
Temperature: Ideal range is 18 – 27°C. Sensitive to cold air, so avoid drafts or temperatures under 15°C.
Soil: Use a slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix enriched with perlite or coco coir.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 – 6 weeks from spring to autumn. Reduce in winter.
Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years in spring. Choose a pot with drainage and refresh the soil fully.
Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves near the base. Regular trimming keeps the plant compact and clean.
Propagation: Use stem cuttings during the growing season. Place in moist soil or water until roots form.
Hydroponics: Can adapt to semi-hydroponic systems if humidity and warmth are stable.

Common Problems and Solutions

Brown Leaf Tips: Usually due to dry air or hard tap water. Switch to filtered water and increase humidity.
Yellow Leaves: May indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust watering frequency and check root health.
Leaf Curl or Dullness: Linked to low humidity or light stress. Move to brighter indirect light and raise humidity.
Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage or stagnant water. Always use a pot with holes and let soil breathe.

Additional Tips for Growing Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'

Water Sensitivity: This plant is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. Let tap water sit out overnight or use distilled water.
pH Preference: Prefers soil with a pH of 6.0 – 6.5. Avoid highly alkaline mixes.
Location: Great for bright bathrooms, kitchens, or warm living spaces. Avoid cold windowsills in winter.
Flowering: Rare indoors, but may produce small pinkish-white flowers on mature plants in high humidity environments.

Etymology

Cordyline comes from the Greek word “kordyle,” meaning “club,” referring to the plant’s thickened rhizomes. Fruticosa means shrubby. The cultivar name 'Purple Compacta' reflects its reduced height and dark foliage coloration.

Order Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta' Today

Bring bold tropical energy to your home with Cordyline fruticosa 'Purple Compacta'. With rich, dark foliage and easy care needs, this compact stunner is a perfect statement plant for bright indoor spaces. Shop now and give your collection a vibrant upgrade!