Cordalyne unstable

the watchman

Hi, I planted a cordalyne about 6years ago. It was a very little pot plant. It is now about 5ft. It is leaning to one side ,a child possibly pulled it over but I also think that it is slightley unstable in the ground. Whe I grab it at its base I can see movement as I push and pull. I am no gardner and was never happy with the planting. The ground around it has sunk an 1" or so.

If I just build up loads of soil around it's base ,say another 4" or so will it grow more roots from the lower trunk area and become more stable. I absolutely dread the thought of having to dig it up and replant or something:mad:.

Look forward to your comments. Thanks.

looksee

Why not just stake it? Put the stake on the opposite site to the slant and pull the cordyline towards it in a couple of places up the stem - and straighten it up.
Make sure there is about 12 inches or so of the stake into the soil. After 6 months or so the plant will probably be more stabilised and hopefully it will be more upright.

If the roots are exposed you could top dress it but I would not pile a lot of soil around, I've never tried it but I think if you pile soil around the stem it would rot it.

I have two cordylines in pots very similar to yours and now I think of it they both slant, but I have never bothered about it, I think it is a natural tendency.

the watchman

Thanks looksee, I didn't mention it before but I did have it tied to a stake for 12 months but it didnt seem to make any difference.
Thanks again.