Question
Hi Tom,... I am so confused. I have 2 Cordylines, planted in 18' pots.. one, Red Star, and one, Red Sensation. They were planted last Fall. My husband has a drip watering system set up. Everything was fine until this Summer. In July the leaves started looking VERY dry ... we then left for the month of August. Now, they look really dry & burned. Chico, CA is very hot in the Summers ... 90's to 100's. The dirt seems moist. I just can't tell if they have had too much water, or not enough water. How do I determine this... the available information on line doesn't help. They look so dry & burned-like, but info says that too much water can cause this too.   PLEASE HELP !!!

Sincerely, Judy

Answer
Hi Judy,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds like you are watering your plants too much.  The plant is native to New Zealand but is also very hardy.  It can withstand hot weather and to a degree some cold weather and occasional light frosts.  It is better to let the earth be a bit dry as opposed to consistently moist.  Cut back on the drip.  The soil is too moist.  I hope this helps.
Tom