Water Problem For Cordyline

Does the container have drainage holes? If not this may be the problem since most houseplants require excellent drainage and humidity. If the pot does have drainage holes and there is a saucer underneath, do not allow the pot to sit in water as this may lead to root rot as well as salt build-up in the soil. Show a close-up of the damaged leaves to a horticulturist at your local garden center for confirmation of the problem. Most tropical understory plants such as the Cordyline are sensitive to salts in chemical fertilizers and in the tap water causing salt burn on the leaves turning them brown. Suggest you switch to steam iron water available at your grocery store and water the plant thoroughly allowing the salts to leach out and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for container plants. To increase humidity around the plant, set up a saucer, fill with pebbles, fill with water, place a brick in the middle so the plant does not sit in the water. This will increase humidity by about 70% around the plant. We hope your plant recovers.